Shillong, Aug 17: NorthEast United FC produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 and book their place in the semifinals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.
The Highlanders trailed 2-1 at half-time but came roaring back after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to overturn the quarter-final and secure their fourth consecutive appearance in the Durand Cup semifinals.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the night, completing a hat-trick as NorthEast United turned a potentially difficult evening into a comprehensive victory. Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales and Jithin M.S. also found the net for the Highlanders.
Shillong Lajong, who had taken the lead through Figo Syndai and Jota, were unable to contain NorthEast United’s attacking surge after the interval.
The match began in torrential rain, making conditions difficult for both sides. NorthEast United adapted quickly and came close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute when Eneko Satrustegui headed narrowly wide from an Antonio Moyano corner.
The Highlanders eventually took the lead in the 11th minute through Ajaraie. Redeem Tlang’s perfectly weighted long ball released the Moroccan forward, who showed excellent control and composure to beat his marker before slotting the ball past Ranit Sarkar.
Shillong Lajong responded strongly and restored parity in the 20th minute. Figo Syndai found space in the final third before calmly finishing to make it 1-1 and send the home supporters into celebration.
The game quickly turned into an entertaining end-to-end contest. NorthEast United had an opportunity to regain the lead in the 27th minute, but Jithin M.S. fired narrowly wide following a quick counter.
Lajong then completed the turnaround seven minutes later. Jota led a swift counter-attack, raced behind the Highlanders’ defence and rounded goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh before calmly finishing to put the home side 2-1 ahead.
NorthEast United struggled to respond before the break, with Jithin seeing a tame effort comfortably gathered by Sarkar. Lajong went into half-time with the lead after edging the first-half exchanges.
The momentum changed dramatically after the restart.
Lajong brought on Phrangki Buam for Jota, but NorthEast United quickly took control. Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales levelled the contest in the 55th minute, giving the Highlanders renewed belief.
Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again to complete NorthEast United’s turnaround and put his side 3-2 ahead.
Lajong attempted to respond, piling pressure on the Highlanders and earning a series of corners after the hour mark. NorthEast United, however, remained dangerous on the counter.
Juan Pedro Benali introduced Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Nikola Ninkovic as the Highlanders looked to maintain their attacking momentum.
Ajaraie then completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute. Released by Jithin M.S., the Moroccan forward made no mistake with the finish to extend NorthEast United’s advantage to 4-2.
Lajong continued to push forward, but the Highlanders defended resolutely and limited their opponents’ opportunities.
NorthEast United put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute when Jithin M.S. capped an impressive individual performance with a goal of his own, making it 5-2.
The Highlanders comfortably managed the closing stages, with further substitutions allowing them to see out the match and secure another appearance in the last four of the competition.
The result completes the semifinal line-up for the 135th Durand Cup, with NorthEast United joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and East Bengal FC in the final four.
For Shillong Lajong, the defeat brings their Durand Cup campaign to an end, despite an impressive effort to take the Highlanders to the limit during the first half.
