Mohun Bagan vs NorthEast United Preview - Team news, lineups | Durand Cup 2026

Shillong all set to host Durand Cup 2026 semifinal 2.

The semifinal two of the 135th edition of the Durand Cup is all set to played in the Scotland of East, Shillong on 20th August 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN). Shillong will see Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan SG take on defending champions NorthEast United FC at 7:00 pm IST with the aim to book the ticket for the final of the prestigious Durand Cup.

NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan SG are coming into this semifinal after two very contrasting performances in the quarterfinals. NorthEast United FC showed their grit and determination to make a comeback against Shillong Lajong FC winning the game 2-5. However, it was a little different for the Mariners, they managed to get the win in the quarterfinal after a penalty shootout against Jamshedpur FC and just made it through.

In this article, we take a look at the match preview of the semifinal 2 of Durand Cup 2026 between Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC.

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan SG

For Mohun Bagan SG, this will be a very important match as this is the decider that guarantees a place in the final of Durand Cup 2026. The Mariners are the most successful side in Durand Cup history with 17 titles to their name.

Mohun Bagan SG last lifted the Durand Cup title in 2023, after which NorthEast United FC broke their run as they won the last two editions of Durand Cup. Panagiotis Dilmperis will be very keen to secure his first silverware at Mohun Bagan in the preseason itself, ahead of the ISL 2026-27 campaign, as lifting the Durand Cup could provide a major boost in confidence.

However, for that to happen, his side must first overcome defending champions NorthEast United FC and book their place in the final.

NorthEast United FC

For NorthEast United FC, this semifinal clash carries the weight of recent performances. The Highlanders are chasing a third consecutive Durand Cup title, with a chance to complete a historic three peat. And if they manage to do this, it will set their foot stronger in Indian football.

Standing in front of them are Durand Cup’s most successful side, Mohun Bagan SG, who will be determined to end the Highlanders’ continuous reign and secure their place in the final. With the three peat on the line, NorthEast United FC have everything to fight for.

Team News

Mohun Bagan SG have a fully fit squad available at their disposal heading into this semifinal clash.

NorthEast United are expected to have all of their players training at the moment available for this game.

Head-to-Head Record (All time)

Matches Played – 13

Mohun Bagan SG wins – 10

NorthEast United FC wins – 2

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineups

Mohun Bagan SG (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh, Miguel Figueira, Dejan Drazic, Jamie Maclaren.

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Asheer Akhtar (C), Eneko, Rabeeh, Samte, Macarton, Maya, Moyano, Ajaraie, Ethyan, Jithin.

Players to Watchout

Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan SG)

Sahal Abdul Samad has been in sublime form for Mohun Bagan SG in Durand Cup 2026 so far. The attacking midfielder seems to have been enjoying his time under the new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis already registering 5 goals in the Durand Cup 2026 fighting neck-to-neck in the golden boot race. Along with scoring, the midfielder has also been very important for the creativity for Mohun Bagan SG.

NorthEast United FC need to make sure that Sahal doesn’t get comfortable in the midfield, because if he does, he will be key for Mohun Bagan SG and make sure that they get to the final.

Eneko Satrustegui (NorthEast United FC)

Eneko Satrustegui will be very important for NorthEast United FC heading into the semifinal clash against Mohun Bagan SG. Eneko have so far been decent for the Highlanders as he is still trying to adapt to the conditions in India after having played for most of his career in Spain.

His experience of playing in LaLiga against teams like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could come into play as the Mariners will put their full force with the likes of forwards like Maclaren, Drazic and Liston. So, for NorthEast United FC to do well, they will need Eneko to be at his absolute best to stop the threat the Mariners pose.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2026 semifinal clash between Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC will take place at the JLN Stadium, Shillong on Thursday, 20th August (2026).

The match will kick off at 7:00 PM IST. The match will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and will be broadcasted live on Sony Ten 2.

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