Durand Cup 2025 Group E Preview: A tussle in India’s football hotbed, the NorthEast

Defending champions NorthEast United will be the favourites to win Group E.

Quite a few Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have decided to withdraw from the 2025 Durand Cup due to the current uncertainty about the future of Indian football. However, that has not stopped the officials from taking the competition ahead.

Being played in Shillong, Group E in particular would be of quite some interest, as it sees three NorthEast-based clubs tussle it out for regional supremacy.

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025: Full fixtures, teams, groups & telecast details

Which teams are part of Group E in the 2025 Durand Cup?

Defending champions NorthEast United return to the competition with hopes of defending their coveted title. The Highlanders beat the mighty Mohun Bagan in the final last year in what was an underdog story for the ages. Since then, the team has gotten stronger as Juan Pedro Benali’s side enter as one of the favourites this time around.

Shillong Lajong had a decent run in the 2024 Durand Cup, winning their group and going past East Bengal to reach the quarterfinals. However, their balloon was popped eventually by NorthEast United. Certainly, revenge will be in the Reds’ mind this time around.

Rangdajied United, the other club from Shillong, will add more flavour to the group. They finished at the bottom of Group F last season, losing all three games including the loss to Shillong Lajong in the Shillong Derby. Once again pitted with regional rivals, the Meghalaya State League club will surely be playing for more than just three points.

The Malaysian Armed Forces have been invited to the tournament as a foreign entry and they will be the fourth team in this group. We should certainly expect them to turn up the heat in Shillong.

Players to Watch

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United)

The Moroccan made headlines last season, winning the ISL Golden Boot and the ISL Golden Ball in his debut season on Indian soil. Ajaraie scored 23 goals in the ISL, 3 goals in the Super Cup, and 3 goals in the Durand Cup last season.

All eyes will be on the 32-year-old once again as he takes to the field for the Highlanders.

Chema Nunez (NorthEast United)

NorthEast United’s newest signing, Chema Nunez, brings with him experience and flair of playing in Spain. The 27-year-old has represented Almeira, Albacete, Real Union, Antequera, and Real Betis’ B team in Spain’s lower divisions.

This is Chema’s first foray outside the European nation and it will be interesting to see how he performs in NorthEast United’s midfield.

Phrangki Buam (Shillong Lajong)

The 24-year-old was consistent for Shillong Lajong in the I-League last season, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists. Phrangki Buam can play anywhere in the midfield and the wings. While his versatility will help Shillong, other clubs are circling to sign the youngster from the I-League club.

Durand Cup 2025 Group E Fixtures

• 26th July: Shillong Lajong vs Malaysian Armed Forces
• 29th July: Shillong Lajong vs Rangdajied United
• 2nd August: NorthEast United vs Malaysian Armed Forces
• 5th August: Rangdajied United vs Malaysian Armed Forces
• 8th August: Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United
• 11th August: NorthEast United vs Rangdajied United

All Group E matches of the 2025 Durand Cup will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Where and how to watch Durand Cup 2025?

The 2025 Durand Cup Group E matches will take place from 26th July to 11th August. All the 2025 Durand Cup matches will be shown on the Sony Ten Sports network. The matches will also be streamed on Sony LIV, live as the tournament begins from 23rd July 2025.

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