Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC pulled off a stunning comeback at home today, overturning a one-goal deficit to defeat Indian Navy 2-1 and secure a spot in the Durand Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year. The Reds’ victory sets up a tantalising repeat of last year’s last-four clash against defending champions NorthEast United, a match set for August 19 in Shillong.
The first quarterfinal was a cagey affair for much of the opening half, but the game burst into life in the 37th minute. Indian Navy’s Vijay Marandi displayed a cool head amidst chaos, deftly rounding the goalkeeper and a trio of defenders before his left-footed shot, which took a deflection off the retrieving goalkeeper, found the back of the net. The goal came on the heels of two superb saves, with Lajong’s Siwel Rymbai acrobatically denying a Sreyas V.G. header, and Indian Navy’s Bhaskar Roy making a full-stretch dive to thwart Gladdy Kharbuli. Lajong came out of the blocks hard in the second half, relentlessly pushing for an equaliser. Despite a disciplined Indian Navy defence and some rushed decisions in the final third, the home side’s pressure eventually told. In the 69th minute, Damaitphang Lyngdoh’s cross from the left curled with an unexpected trajectory, looping over the keeper and into the goal off the far post, sending the home faithful into a frenzy.
The dramatic turnaround was complete just ten minutes later. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah, the heart of Lajong’s attack, was brought down inside the box after a clever turn. The 20-year-old striker stepped up to take the penalty himself, calmly slotting the ball past a full-stretch Bhaskar Roy to give Lajong the lead. The Reds then absorbed late pressure from the Indian Navy side, defending with a stoic resolve to seal their third overall Durand Cup semifinal appearance. Meanwhile, in the day’s other quarterfinal at Kokrajhar, NorthEast United put on a dominant show, routing Bodoland FC 4-0. Moroccan import Alaaeddine Ajaraie led the charge with a brace, while Spaniard Andy Garcia netted his first goal for the club. Substitute Parthib Gogoi rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, completing a comprehensive win for the Highlanders. With Lajong and NorthEast United both advancing, the stage is now set for a blockbuster semifinal rematch, promising a high-octane encounter between two of the region’s top clubs.
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