NorthEast United FC entered their second straight Durand Cup final with a 1–0 win over Shillong Lajong FC in the semifinal at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday, courtesy of a strike from local lad Redeem Tlang.
Redeem Tlang, who began his career with Shillong Lajong, scored in the 36th minute with a long-range effort that beat the diving Lajong goalkeeper. In a show of respect, he raised his hands in apology towards the crowd that once backed him.
The semifinal was a repeat of last year’s clash, when NorthEast United beat Lajong 3–0 before going on to lift their maiden Durand Cup. This time, the contest was tighter, with both sides starting cautiously before the Highlanders created the clearer chances.
Chema Nunez tested the keeper early with a header, while skipper Michel Zabaco struck the side netting from a corner. The match saw an unusual pause when the referee went off injured, but soon after play resumed, Mayakkannan’s pressing created the opening for Tlang’s decisive strike.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali later introduced Thoi Singh, Parthib Gogoi, Jairo Samperio and Macarton Nickson to freshen up the attack, but the Highlanders could not extend their lead. At the back, Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar and Buanthanglun Samte stood firm, ensuring custodian Gurmeet Singh had little to worry about.
Lajong pushed hard in the final minutes but failed to find the equaliser, leaving the Highlanders to celebrate back-to-back finals — and a victory sealed by one of Shillong’s own.
