Shillong: August 31 is set to be a very important day for Guwahati-based Indian Super League club NorthEast United FC. NEUFC defeated local favourites Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 in the first semi-final of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup at Shillong. Two first-half goals by Thoi Singh and Alaaeddine Ajaraie followed by a strike in added time of the second by Parthib Gogoi, did the job for the Highlanders, as they scripted a piece of club history by making their first-ever Durand Cup final. It will in fact be the first big final of a national tournament for them since inception.
A crowd of over 15,000 home fans were silenced early as both changes made to the Highlanders‘ starting line-up by coach Juan Pedro Ben Ali made an immediate impact with Thoi getting on board after a well-worked move in the 13th minute of the game and Ajaraie scoring in the 33rd, courtesy a wonder-ball from Nestor Roger.
Shillong gave a good account of themselves thereafter, but players like Mohammed Ali Bemammer in the Highlanders midfield helped them control the game before Parthib, brought in late by Ben Ali, delivered the icing on the cake with a mostly solo effort, three minutes after regulation time.
The Highlanders did well to find an early goal thereby silencing the home fans. Samte it was who took the throw-in from the left flank finding Ajare inside the box, whose delectable back-heel put Jithin on his bike. The lanky winger drove towards the backline and delivered a telling cross which Thoi stabbed home with clinical precision.
With this win, NEUFC becomes the first team to qualify for the finals for the 133rd Durand Cup. Their competitors will be decided in the second semi-final to be played tomorrow. The final match of the tournament is scheduled for the coming Saturday.
