Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United Face Off for Spot in Durand Cup Final

In a highly anticipated clash, defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face off against the illustrious Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup, taking place in Shillong on Thursday. This marks NorthEast United's fourth consecutive appearance in the semifinals, as they aim for their third consecutive title in the prestigious tournament. The Highlanders showcased their resilience in the quarterfinals, overcoming a 2-1 deficit against Shillong Lajong FC to secure a commanding 5-2 victory, with Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie netting a remarkable hat-trick in the second half.

Mohun Bagan, the tournament's most decorated team with 17 titles, has built their campaign on a solid defensive foundation. They maintained a perfect defensive record during the group stage, not conceding a single goal. In the quarterfinals, they faced Jamshedpur FC, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout. The Mariners triumphed 9-8 in sudden death, thanks in large part to the heroics of goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

NorthEast United's head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, acknowledged the challenge posed by Mohun Bagan, emphasizing the quality of their opponents. "It's the semi-final of the Durand Cup, a very important game for us, and also for Mohun Bagan," he stated. He highlighted the caliber of Mohun Bagan's squad, which features numerous national team regulars alongside talented foreign players, all under the guidance of their new head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis. "Panos is a friend, but inside the field, there are no friends. He is a great coach leading a very good team," Benali remarked.

As the match approaches, Mohun Bagan will rely on attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who has been in fine form with five goals in the tournament. Their defense will be anchored by Subhasish Bose. For NorthEast United, Ajaraie's scoring prowess will be crucial, while Spanish defender Eneko Satrustegui will play a vital role in countering Mohun Bagan's attacking threats, including Jamie Maclaren, Dejan Drazic, and Liston Colaco.

Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, who earned the Golden Glove award last year, is expected to be instrumental for the Highlanders. "My expectation is to start the game with the right mentality, stay focused from the first minute, and give everything for the team," Gurmeet expressed. He emphasized the importance of discipline and compactness against a formidable Mohun Bagan side, stating, "They are a good side and we know they will give us a tough game." With both teams entering the semifinal with fully fit squads, the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter.