What happened when Northeast United FC and Shillong Lajong last met in Durand Cup semifinal?

Northeast United FC and Shillong Lajong are set to clash in the semi-final on August 19.

In the repeat of last year’s semi-final, Northeast United and Shillong Lajong will again meet in this year’s Durand Cup semi-final. This matchup has produced intriguing encounters in the last couple of seasons. However, the Highlanders have managed to pull off results on all of those occasions.

When they lock horns in the semi-final on Tuesday, Shillong Lajong would be determined to break the barrier and trounce their neighbours for the first time.

Football is all about emotions, and one of the strongest emotions that shapes the game is revenge. It originates from the resolve not to concede a defeat.

When the clock hits 7 on Tuesday, there will be just one objective for all those sitting in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong – to crush Northeast United and progress to the final. The Reds would want to move beyond the horrors of last year’s heartbreak with a victorious performance in the semi-final.

Also Read: Shillong Lajong vs Northeast United FC: Top three player battles to watch out for in Durand Cup Semifinal

Tragedy for Shillong Lajong

These two sides faced each other in the semi-final of the Durand Cup last year as well. That meeting ended on a horrible note for Shillong Lajong. The game was dominated by Northeast United from the moment the first whistle was blown. Shillong just could not withstand the relentless pressure from the Highlanders, which resulted in the hosts being out of the game in the first half itself.

The first scar was given by the young Thoi Singh through his brilliant sliding deflection on Jithin MS’ cut back. This was the stamp on Northeast United’s gains in the first ten minutes of the game. The Shillong Lajong defence was left stunned by the quick turnaround and pace with which Northeast United built the attack. The conversion was equally impressive to send shockwaves in the stadium.

This goal forced the Reds to be more adventurous and come out of their half to test the opposition’s defence. They came close to finding an opening in the 27th minute, when Wadajied Rhyngkhlem pushed Gurmeet Singh to put a dive to deflect the shot away from the goal. However, except for this opportunity, Shillong could not create much as Northeast United put their foot on the accelerator once again.

After soaking up the pressure from Shillong, the Highlanders came back quickly to create more goal-scoring chances. This time, it was their star striker, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who made the difference. Pouncing upon a brilliant aerial pass from the midfield, Ajaraie converted it with finesse.

The referee initially declared it an offside, but later allowed the goal, adding to the worries of Shillong Lajong fans. Already 2-0 down in the first half, Shillong were looking extremely vulnerable.

In the second half, it was just about Northeast United FC keeping the pressure on and not yielding spaces for Shillong Lajong to create anything substantial. In the closing minutes of the game, Shillong were reduced to 10 men, putting the last nail in the coffin. The Highlanders exploited the numerical advantage to score one more and seal the deal. Parthib Gogoi found the net to extend the lead to three goals and ensure a place in the final.

Redemption on Tuesday?

This loss, coupled with the defeat in this year’s group stage, would push Shillong Lajong to improve their record against their northeastern rivals. They have a solid core of young players who can make it tough for the star-studded Northeast United to dictate terms in the semi-final on Tuesday. It would be important for the Reds not to concede early and keep it compact.

If they manage to negotiate the initial onslaught, they will keep themselves in the game. The resilience in the defense has to be backed up with the sharpness in the final third to score. The occasion will be huge for the I League club, and so should be their performance.

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