New Delhi: Title holders NorthEast United prevailed over Shillong Lajong 1-0 on Tuesday to advance to the 134th Durand Cup’s final.
Redeem Tlang’s 36th minute strike was enough for the defending champions to beat Shillong in the tournament’s semi-final for the second time in a row.
NorthEast had beaten Shiilong 3-0 at their home ground in the last four stage last year and it was no different in this edition too.
But Shillong did put up a spirited performance, particularly in the first half, as they denied NorthEast’s Ajaraie and Jithin MS much space to operate.
As a result of which they could hardly creat any sighter at goal, with Chema Nunez’s header and Andres Rodriguez’s long range effort, only being notable attempts, till Tlang broke the deadlock.
NorthEast benefitted from an inadvertent stoppage in play when match official S Senthil Nathan got injured and Lalit Singh Rawat took over the officiating duties.
When the action resumed, Tlang, formerly of Shillong, unleashed a left footed shot from 30 yards whose trajectory wrong footed keeper Siwel Rymbai.
The goal made NorthEast more confident and they became more adventurous in the second half in search of the second goal but it also gave Shillong a chance to find the equaliser.
Shillong tried to utilise their pace on counter attacks but couldn’t find the final pass as Everbrightson Sana was lively upfront to keep NorthEast defenders on their toes.
NorthEast had chances to kill off the contest as midfielder Andre Rodriguez struck the post from inside the penalty box and Alaaeddine Ajaraie scuffed his attempted scoop from outside the are with only Rymbai, who had come out of his line, to beat.
But they remained steady at the back to hold on to their lead and entr the title round for the second straight edition.