New Delhi, August 17: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Northeast United FC have confirmed their places in the semifinals of the 135th Durand Cup. This announcement finalizes all four semifinalists, which include Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC, and Northeast United FC.
In the third quarter-final match held at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Mohun Bagan Super Giant triumphed over Jamshedpur FC in a penalty shootout, winning 9-8. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad and Devendra Murgaonkar for their respective teams. Mohun Bagan clinched victory in a tense shootout.
Mohun Bagan started strong, taking the lead in the second minute. Pranoy Haldar passed to Rashithoi Mitei, who struggled to control the ball, allowing Sahal to pounce. He entered the box and shot into the bottom right corner, giving the home team an early advantage. In the 45th minute, Devendra equalized for Jamshedpur FC, making it 1-1.
As the match progressed, Mohun Bagan pushed forward to secure a winning goal, but Jamshedpur held firm until normal time. In stoppage time, Sayan attempted a long-range shot that required a spectacular save, and a subsequent corner yielded no results. The match then went to penalties, where Mohun Bagan emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, in a crucial northeastern derby at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Northeast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 5-2. Alayeddin Azharai scored a remarkable hat-trick, leading his team to a stunning comeback in the second half. After trailing 2-1 at halftime due to heavy rain, the Highlanders (Northeast United) scored four goals in the second half to secure their spot in the semifinals.
The Highlanders took the lead in the 11th minute thanks to Alayeddin Azharai’s impressive individual effort. Receiving a precise long ball from Redeem Tlang, the Moroccan forward showcased his skills, deceiving an approaching defender before calmly scoring to put Northeast ahead 1-0, equaling Rodgriguinho on the tournament’s scoring chart.
Shillong Lajong responded positively, leveling the score in the 20th minute. Figo Sindai capitalized on a gap in the final third, finishing brilliantly to bring the home team back into the match, igniting celebrations among the local fans.
Despite worsening weather, Shillong’s confidence grew, and they turned the match around in the 34th minute. Jota led a superb counterattack, bypassing Northeast’s defense, outsmarting Gurmeet Singh, and scoring to give the home team a 2-1 lead. Northeast equalized in the 55th minute when Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales scored, making it 2-2.
Just three minutes later, Azharai struck again. The Moroccan forward completed a brilliant move, putting Northeast ahead 3-2. He completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, receiving a pass from Jithin MS and scoring confidently to extend the Highlanders’ lead to 4-2, nearly securing their semifinal spot.
Shillong attempted to stage a comeback, but Northeast defended resolutely. Benali also gave debut opportunities to Pramveer, who replaced Ashir Akhtar. The Highlanders sealed their victory in the 79th minute when Jithin MS scored again, enhancing his impressive performance and finalizing the score at 5-2.
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