Home team Northeast United Football Club won the first quarterfinal of the 132nd Durand Cup. The home team beat the Indian Army Football Team in the first quarterfinal of the tournament. This match was organized in the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on August 24. The hosts managed to beat the guest with 1:0 score in this match.
The only goal of the match came from Konsam Phalguni Singh of the Northeast United Football Club. He managed to score this goal in the beginning of the second half, the 51st minute of the match. Thus ensuring a berth for the home team in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The NEUFC team managed to keep possession of the midfield for a substantial duration. They were also able to successfully execute their plan in terms of both attack and defense. Thus taking their team to the next level of the tournament. Northeast United FC goalkeeper Mirshad was also able to perform well in the match and ensured that the team did not concede any goals. The attack was also able to put pressure on the defense of the Indian Army Football Team. But after multiple missed attacks from both sides, Konsam Phalguni Singh was able to put one in for his team.
NEUFC’s Juan Pedro introduced Manvir Singh and Nestor Roger in the second half. And the second-half substitutes set up the only goal of the match. Nestor Roger cross-filled the ball into the box to Manvir Singh. He then passed the ball to KonsamPhalguni Singh who ensured that the ball went past the keeper into the net.
East Bengal will face Gokulam Kerala FC in the second quarterfinal of the tournament. The Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan will host this match on August 25. The third quarterfinal will also be played in Guwahati between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa on August 26.
