Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United FC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | Durand Cup 2025 semifinal

NorthEast United FC are the defending champion of the Durand Cup.

After an entertaining and high-voltage series of games in the quarter-finals, it all comes down to the final four teams in the 2025 Durand Cup. Defending champions NorthEast United FC will go up against their neighbours Shillong Lajong FC in the first semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. 

It will be a repeat telecast of last edition’s semi-final game, where the Highlanders emerged victorious 3-0 with Thoi Singh, Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Parthib Gogoi scoring a goal each to take their side to the final. This game promises to be a blockbuster of a contest as both sides will be poised to go through to the finale.

Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders find themselves in similar territory to last season. They have done everything right until now to defend their crown and will hope to keep ticking the boxes. Juan Pedro Benai’s side took down Bodoland FC with 4-0 win in Kokrajhar to make their way into the last four.

They have a psychological advantage heading into this fixture, having beaten Shillong Lajong every time they have come across them. NorthEast United will count upon their talisma,n Alaaeddine Ajaraie to take them through this as well.

Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong FC have gotten the better of every team that they have faced so far except for NorthEast United. The Reds produced a 2-1 win against the Indian Navy in the quarter-final to secure a semi-final berth.

They have found the back of the net ten times in the competition so far, the third highest by any team. Lajong will rely upon their attacking prowess and will also take motivation from their spirited performance against their arch rivals earlier in the competition.

Injury and Team News

There are no injury concerns as both teams head into this semi-final clash with all their players available for selection.

Head-to-head

NorthEast United FC have an upper hand in terms of head-to-head records. The Highlanders have won all of their four games against Shillong Lajong.

Predicted Line-up

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, Buanthanglun Samte, Andy Rodríguez, Mayakkannan, Chema Nunez, Jithin MS, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Alaaeddine Ajaraie

Shillong Lajong FC

Siwel Rymbai (GK), Kitboklang Khyriem, Kenstar Kharshong, Rudra Ved Moola, Saveme Tariang, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Treimiki Lamurong, Sheen Sohktung, Everbrighton Myliempdah, Phrangki Buam

Players to watch out

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

There’s never been anyone like Alaaeddine Ajaraie for NorthEast United. The Moroccan forward is their messiah and has taken them over the line countless times since his arrival at the club.

Ajaraie scored a match-winning brace in the quarter-finals and toyed with the defenders to take NorthEast United into the semi-final. He is the leading goalscorer in the competition with seven goals to his name.

Everbrighton Myliempdah (Shillong Lajong FC)

Everbrighton Myliempdah will be the man to watch out for Shillong Lajong in the highly staked fixture. He is their top scorer in this edition of the Durand Cup, having found the back of the net four times till now, including the match-winning goals against the Indian Navy in the quarter-final. He is a man in form and will look to capitalise on his chances and take his side home.

Telecast

The Durand Cup 2025 quarterfinal game between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC will be played on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. It will kick off at 7 PM IST. The match will be shown live on the Sony Ten Sports network and SonyLIV.

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