Durand Cup: NE Utd beat Lajong to reach SFs

SHILLONG, AUG 17: NorthEast United FC produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a rain-soaked Northeastern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday, securing their fourth consecutive semifinal berth in the Durand Cup.
Trailing 2-1 at halftime, the Highlanders roared back with a four-goal blitz in the second half, led by Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who netted a sensational hat-trick. The emphatic victory confirmed all four semifinalists for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC, and NorthEast United FC.
NorthEast United struck first in the 11th minute when Ajaraie latched onto a long ball from captain Redeem Tlang, skillfully beating his marker before slotting home. Shillong Lajong responded quickly, with Figo Syndai equalising in the 20th minute. The hosts then completed the turnaround in the 34th minute as Joao Vitor “Jota” raced clear on a counter-attack, rounded goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, and finished confidently to make it 2-1.
Despite NorthEast’s early dominance, Shillong carried a slender lead into halftime, buoyed by their attacking momentum and the home crowd of over 10,000 spectators. The rain eased after the break, and NorthEast seized control. In the 55th minute, Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales restored parity with a composed finish. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again to put the Highlanders ahead 3-2.
Shillong attempted to respond with sustained pressure, but Ajaraie was unstoppable. Released by Jithin M.S. in the 69th minute, he completed his hat-trick with another clinical strike, extending the lead to 4-2. NorthEast sealed the contest in the 79th minute when Jithin M.S. capped his outstanding performance by scoring the fifth goal, finishing off a flowing move. Substitutions and disciplined defending ensured the Highlanders comfortably managed the closing stages.
With this commanding win, NorthEast United advanced to the semifinals, continuing their consistent run in the Durand Cup. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali’s side showcased resilience and attacking flair, turning a halftime deficit into a statement victory.
The Highlanders will now prepare for their semifinal clash, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their remarkable comeback.
MBSG beat Jamshedpur FC to enter semifinals
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a semifinal berth in the 135th Durand Cup after edging past Jamshedpur FC 9–8 in a tense penalty shootout at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday. The quarter-final ended 1–1 in regulation time, with Sahal Abdul Samad giving the hosts an early lead in the second minute before Devendra Murgaonkar equalised on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides created chances in the second half but failed to convert, forcing the contest into penalties. After 16 successful kicks in sudden death, Vishal Kaith saved Lawmsangzuala’s effort before Tekcham Abhishek Singh converted the decisive spot-kick. Mohun Bagan will now face NorthEast United FC in the semifinal on August 20 in Shillong.