Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United: Consecutive finals, Unconvincing attack, Impressive Shillong, and other talking points

NorthEast United edged Shillong Lajong to make it to their second Durand Cup final.

NorthEast United FC have scripted history as they qualified for the Durand Cup final for the second time in a row. It feels like an action replay of the last edition, with NorthEast United facing the same opposition in the semi-final at the same venue.

Interestingly, they will face a side from Kolkata in the final this year as well. East Bengal and Diamond Harbour will contest in the second semi-final to secure their spot in the final against NorthEast United.

However, there was one thing that was in stark contrast to last year’s semi-final between Shillong Lajong and NorthEast United. How the match transpired was in no way similar to the semi-final last year. Unlike last year, Shillong Lajong were impressive this time around as they tested the defending Durand Cup champions.

Moving further in this article, we will look into the major talking points from the first semi-final between Northeast United and Shillong Lajong.

Also Read: NorthEast United FC back in Durand Cup final with a grinding win over Shillong Lajong

Consecutive finals for NorthEast United FC

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Regardless of how the performance was, NorthEast United would be proud of their second consecutive final appearance in the Durand Cup. What makes this achievement more special is the fact that the first decade of their existence saw them struggling to make it to the big occasions. Having won no silverware till 2024, two final appearances in a row indicate the beginning of a new era at the club.

Juan Pedro Benali has changed the perception of the team and transformed the Highlanders into a force to be reckoned with. Northeast United are now more consistent in terms of making their presence felt on big occasions. The Highlander Brigade would be proud of the efforts the club has made, not just on the pitch but off it as well, which is showing results.

Impressive Shillong Lajong

Shillong Lajong could not qualify for the final, but their performance was noteworthy. It was evident from the first minute that the Reds were more willing to take an early advantage in the all-important semi-final. Shillong Lajong had their plans sorted, and it was about making it clear to the opposition that they were here not just to compete but to win.

The first half an hour felt like Shillong Lajong were the defending champions and not the Highlanders. Besides creating chances, the Reds were defensively compact as well. Learning from their past mistakes, this time they were determined not to concede in the first quarter, and that helped them gain control in the match.

An all Indian lineup for Shillong

Football is not just about winning. It is also about showing the character, punching above your weight, and fighting for each blade of grass. Shillong Lajong did all of this in the semi-final against NorthEast United. The highlight of this contest was a team with an all Indian lineup making a star-studded opposition run for their money. Shillong Lajong had no foreigners in their squad.

The club relied on Indian players, and most of them were young. The fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium would have left the venue in a somber mood, but not disgruntled, because their team had put up a proud performance. The Reds might have missed out on their maiden Durand Cup final, but their all-Indian setup looks up and ready for the I League season.

No shots on target for Ajaraie

The NorthEast United fans would be basking in the glory of their second consecutive final appearance, but they would be aware of the fact that this performance was nowhere close to their expectations. The biggest negative for them would be a disastrous outing for their star striker, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who is also the highest goalscorer in the tournament.

The Moroccan could not register a shot on target, which is shocking considering his form in the tournament. Ajaraie was coming into the semi-final with seven goals already in his account but what transpired in Shillong would ring alarm bells for NorthEast United fans as they prepare for the final.

Wasteful Highlanders

We discussed the horrible performance from the main man for Northeast United, Alaaeddine Ajaraie. But it was not just about Ajaraie having a bad day. The whole attack of NorthEast United was toothless. Shillong Lajong were defensively solid, and to make matters worse, the Northeast United forwards were looking clueless in front of the goals.

The Highlanders hit the crossbar twice. Just before the final, this is a jolt for Juan Pedro Benali as they might face East Bengal, who have just conceded two goals in the tournament.

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