NorthEast United secured a 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong in the Durand Cup 2024 semifinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday, reaching the final of the tournament for the first time in the club’s 10 years of history. This marks a significant improvement from their performance in 2023 Durand Cup edition, where they were eliminated in the semifinals.
The match began with Shillong Lajong appearing the stronger side in the first 10 minutes. However, NorthEast United took the lead in the 13th minute against the run of play. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie made a clever backheel flick to Jithin MS, who delivered a precise cross into the box. Thoi Singh, slid in to finish the move and gave his team an early advantage.
Around 20 minutes later, Ajaraie added a goal of his own to the scoreboard. Initially flagged offside by the assistant referee, the decision was reversed after a discussion with the main referee, Crystal John, allowing the goal to stand.
In the closing stages of the match, substitute Parthib Gogoi sealed the win for NorthEast United with a solo effort down the left flank, curling the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0. This commanding victory sends the Highlanders into their first Durand Cup final.
