Shillong: NorthEast United FC will aim to reach back-to-back finals of the Indian Oil Durand Cup when they take on Shillong Lajong FC in the semifinals at the JN Stadium here on Tuesday.
The clash is a repeat of last year’s semifinal, where the Highlanders ran out 3-0 winners en route to lifting the trophy. It will also be their second meeting in this year’s competition, after NorthEast United prevailed 2-1 over Lajong in the group stages, courtesy of an Alaaeddine Ajaraie brace.
However, on the eve of the semifinal, NorthEast United FC’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali stressed that past meetings will have no impact on the crucial encounter.
“It’s a derby and it will be difficult for both teams. We know each other very well. Last year’s game and even the group stage match are in the past. Now it’s a semifinal, a door to the final. Both teams will approach it differently, and both will fight to win,” Benali said.
Club captain Michel Zabaco, who led the team to the Durand Cup triumph last season, expressed that his team respects the opposition but remains fully focused on victory.
“We are proud to be here in the semifinals, but of course, we want to win against Shillong Lajong. Every time we play them, we have to give our all, and this time will be no different. These are the kind of games we live for,” Zabaco added.
NorthEast United’s Moroccan striker Ajaraie has been in prolific form, scoring seven goals in four appearances this season. While he has led the attack with distinction, he has been ably supported by fellow attackers Jithin MS, Lalrinzuala, Parthib Gogoi, Lalbiakdika, Thoi Singh, Chema Nunez, and Jairo Samperio.
In midfield, Andy Rodriguez, Mayakkannan, and Macarton Nickson have provided control and balance, while at the back, Zabaco has marshalled the defence with authority. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh will enter the clash high on confidence after registering his first clean sheet in the quarterfinal against Bodoland FC.
With history tilted in their favour, the Highlanders will once again rely on Zabaco’s leadership and Ajaraie’s firepower as they aim to march into another Durand Cup final.
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