NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC post contrasting wins to set up semifinal clash

Defending champion NorthEast United FC proved too good for local side Bodoland FC, posting a 4-0 win in the second quarterfinal of the 134th Durand Cup tournament at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Saturday to book a semifinal berth.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie proved his worth once again as he found the target twice while Andy Rodríguez and Parthib Gogoi struck once each to complete NorthEast United’s impressive scoreline.

NorthEast United will meet Shillong Lajong FC at the latter’s home in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong in the first semifinal on Tuesday, which will be a virtual repeat of the previous edition’s contest.

Shillong Lajong FC recovered from a goal deficit to overcome the challenge of Indian Navy football team 2-1 in the first quarterfinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Shillong.

Goals from Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Sana, who scored a penalty, late in the second half helped Shillong Lajong secure its second consecutive semi-final appearance in the tournament. Vijay Marandi gave Indian Navy the lead in the first half but the sailors failed to preserve the lead in the second half when Shillong Lajong returned with a greater purpose and resolve.

The results: Quarterfinal 1 (Shillong): Shillong Lajong FC 2 (Damait Lyngdoh 69, Everbrightson Sana 79-pen) bt Indian Navy FT 1 (Vijay Marandi 38).

Quarterfinal 2 (Kokrajhar): NorthEast United FC 4 ( Alaaeddine Ajaraie 29, 61, Andy Rodríguez 53, Parthib Gogoi 90+2) bt Bodoland FC 0.