Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC Enter Durand Cup Quarterfinals
Jamshedpur FC defeated Ladakh FC 2-0 to secure a place in the Durand Cup quarterfinals.
Jamshedpur FC beat Ladakh FC 2-0, while defending champions NorthEast United FC registered a 2-1 win over Shillong Lajong FC to advance to the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup on Friday.
An own goal from defender Siju in the 28th minute handed the hosts the lead before Praful doubled the advantage just after half-time, finishing from close range following a scramble from a free-kick.
Head coach Khalid Ahmed Jamil made two changes to the starting eleven, bringing in Suhair VP and Sarthak Goloui, while Ladakh’s Rajan Mani named an unchanged side.
Jamshedpur dominated possession and created more chances, with Praful missing an early one-on-one before Vincy Barretto’s low cross forced the opening goal.
Ladakh offered little threat, and Praful’s 46th-minute strike effectively sealed the win. Jamshedpur managed the remainder of the game with controlled possession, making it three wins out of three and confirming their place in the last eight.
At Shillong, Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s brace helped NorthEast United FC secure a 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
With this result, NorthEast United FC progressed to the quarterfinals with a match to spare, owing to their superior head-to-head record against Shillong Lajong FC.
NorthEast United recorded their second win in Group E and have six points, while Shillong Lajong concluded their group stage with six points as well. A draw in NorthEast’s last match will ensure they advance as outright group winners.
Ajaraie continued his fine form, giving the defending champions the lead in the fifth minute. The Moroccan found space between the central defenders as new signing Jose Manuel Nunez Martin played a perfect pass, which he calmly slotted past the advancing Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.
In the second half, the match turned physical as both teams cancelled each other out in midfield, closing down spaces. The humid conditions added to the challenge, with players suffering cramps frequently.
Shillong Lajong equalised in the 81st minute through substitute Figo Syndai. Left-back Saveme Tariang delivered a curling cross to the far post, where Figo got ahead of Buanthanglun Samte to score with a header.
However, the joy was short-lived as Ajaraie struck again. Receiving a simple pass on the edge of the box, he spun past Kenstar Kharshong with a sharp turn and curled a pinpoint shot into the top corner, taking his tournament tally to five goals.
