NorthEast United vs Shillong Lajong: Three key battles that could decide Durand Cup semi-final

The North Eastern derby will be a fascinating contest.

The Northeast Derby is all set to happen in the Durand Cup semi-final. Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC and I-League side Shillong Lajong FC are ready to face each other in the 133rd Durand Cup semi-final on 26th August at 5:30 PM at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN), Shillong.

NorthEast United dominated Group E, defeating local favorites Bodoland FC by a 2-0 margin in their first game, followed by a 4-0 win against BSF FT and a 5-1 victory over Odisha FC at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar, Assam. In the quarter-finals, they comfortably beat a spectacular Indian Army side 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals for the second consecutive time.

On the other hand, Shillong Lajong FC’s journey included a 1-0 victory against Tribhuvan Army FC, a 2-0 win over Rangdajied United FC, and a crucial 1-1 draw with FC Goa in their last group match to advance to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, they defeated tournament favorites, last year’s runner-up, East Bengal FC, by a margin of 2-1.

Due to these results, the Durand Cup authorities relocated the semi-final match between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN), Shillong, and rescheduled it one day later, on 26th August instead of 25th August.

Both teams have great potential to advance to their first-ever Durand Cup final. Let’s take a look at the key battles that could decide the outcome of this fixture.

Guillermo Fernández vs Daniel Gonçalves

This year, NorthEast United invested in their attacking line, with one of their most promising signings being Spanish striker Guillermo Fernández. He has scored four goals and assisted two in the last four matches for the team in the Durand Cup.

In the quarter-final against Indian Army FT, he assisted Nestor Albiach in the opening goal. He later scored a brilliant scorpion kick goal himself in the 73rd minute of the game. His combination with Jithin M.S., who is the joint leading goal scorer for the team, will certainly pose a momentous threat to the Shillong Lajong FC defense.

The responsibility of stopping this duo will primarily fall on Shillong Lajong defender Daniel Gonçalves. Although Gonçalves missed the first two matches, he returned to play all minutes thereafter and played a vital role in restricting Emami East Bengal FC’s attack.

Alongside Aman Ahlawat, Gonçalves will need to contain not only Fernández but also Jithin M.S., Ankith Padmanabhan, Nestor Albiach, and potentially Parthib Gogoi, if he can return for this clash.

Marcos Rudwere Silva vs Míchel Zabaco

On the other side, the contest between Shillong Lajong FC’s Brazilian forward, Marcos Rudwere Silva, and NorthEast United captain Míchel Zabaco will be vital to watch.

Marcos Rudwere Silva, who was a regular for Shillong Lajong FC in the last I-league season has been instrumental in key matches against FC Goa and Emami East Bengal, scoring two goals in the last two games and providing one assist to help his team reach the Durand Cup semifinals.

His assist in the quarterfinal against Emami East Bengal, setting up teammate Figo Syndai, was a pivotal moment in the match, helping the team secure their place in the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2024.

NorthEast United’s captain, Míchel Zabaco, will have the responsibility of stopping Marcos Rudwere Silva from finding the back of the net.

Zabaco wasn’t in the squad for the first two matches but has since played 45 minutes against Odisha FC and the full 90 minutes in their last match. Under his guidance, the NorthEast United FC defense will need to nullify Shillong Lajong’s attack, who have 4 different goalscorers for the team.

Gurmeet Singh vs Manas Dubey

NorthEast United FC has rotated their three goalkeepers, Gurmeet Singh, Mirshad K. Michu, and Dipesh Chauhan, throughout the Durand Cup. However, it is anticipated that they will start with Gurmeet Singh for the semi-final, who had kept two clean sheets for the team including the quarterfinal.

On the other hand, Manas Dubey from Shillong Lajong FC emerged as the hero for his club after an outstanding performance in their quarterfinal win against East Bengal.

Both goalkeepers will play a crucial role in the game, as it is certain that there will be multiple attacks on their goalposts. Additionally, they must contribute to counter-attacks, either by initiating them or by acting as a sweeper keeper to defend against them.

If the match is still tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to a penalty shootout, where either goalkeeper could lead his team to the final for the first time.

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