Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over last year’s runners-up, East Bengal, in the second quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2024, held at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday.
Marcos Rudwere Silva (8′) and substitute Figo Syndai (83′) found the back of the net for the home side, while Nandhakumar Sekar (77′) scored the lone goal for East Bengal.
The match began with an early shock for the Kolkata giants, as Lajong took the lead in the eighth minute. Hardy Cliff Nongbri, known for his dangerous set-pieces throughout the tournament, delivered a perfect corner that Rudwere expertly converted, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
East Bengal responded by upping the tempo and relentlessly attacking the Lajong goal. Despite a barrage of chances, their efforts were either thwarted by Lajong’s solid defense or denied by goalkeeper Manas Dubey. Opportunities that bypassed the defense were squandered by the East Bengal attackers.
Rudwere nearly doubled his tally later in the first half, but his header from another set-piece struck the crossbar. As the half progressed, East Bengal pressed hard for an equalizer, but Lajong’s defense held firm, allowing the hosts to maintain their lead at halftime.
The second half featured end-to-end action, with both teams testing each other’s defenses. East Bengal’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Vishnu PK found Nandhakumar unmarked at the far post. The Tamil Nadu winger calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leveling the score.
With momentum on their side, East Bengal pushed for a winner, leaving gaps for Lajong to exploit on the counter. The home side took full advantage of these spaces, using their speed to trouble the East Bengal defense.
Lajong sealed their historic victory in the 83rd minute. Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem’s cross from the left wing was met by Rudwere, who delivered a low pass into the six-yard box. Figo Syndai, catching the East Bengal defense off guard, slotted the ball past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, securing the win for Lajong.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
With this victory, Lajong’s unbeaten run continues as they advance to the semifinals, where they will face NorthEast United FC in a highly anticipated derby on August 25. NorthEast United secured their spot in the semis earlier on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Indian Army. Both semifinal matches are scheduled to take place in Kolkata.
Also Read | Meghalaya: WHO investigates suspected polio case