1 week ago
NorthEast United Face Mohun Bagan in Durand Cup Semifinal
NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play each other in a Durand Cup semifinal.
NorthEast United are the defending champions and have reached the semifinals four years in a row.
They came back from behind to beat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in the quarterfinal.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored three goals in that comeback.
Mohun Bagan have won the Durand Cup 17 times.
They drew with Jamshedpur FC before winning a penalty shootout 9-8.
Mohun Bagan have been difficult to score against in this tournament.
Both teams believe the match will be very challenging.
The winner will advance to the final.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC will meet 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Thursday’s semifinal.
NorthEast United reached the last four after defeating Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 following a 2-1 halftime deficit.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a second-half hat-trick to lead NorthEast United’s comeback.
Mohun Bagan drew 1-1 with Jamshedpur FC before winning their quarterfinal 9-8 in a sudden-death penalty shootout.
Sahal Abdul Samad, Vishal Kaith and Subhasish Bose are among Mohun Bagan’s key players, while NorthEast United will rely on Ajaraie and Gurmeet Singh.
- Who
- Defending champions NorthEast United FC and 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
- What
- The teams will contest the second Durand Cup semifinal.
- Where
- The semifinal will be played at the venue described in the report as “here”; no specific venue is named.
- When
- Thursday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
- Why
- Both teams are competing for a place in the Durand Cup final.
NorthEast United’s Approach
Mohun Bagan’s Approach
Match strategy
NorthEast United’s Approach
NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emphasized discipline, compact defending, focus and taking chances against a strong opponent.
Mohun Bagan’s Approach
Mohun Bagan are expected to rely on their strong defence and attacking quality, with Sahal Abdul Samad, Jamie Maclaren, Dejan Drazic and Liston Colaco identified as important options.
Key strengths
NorthEast United’s Approach
NorthEast United enter the semifinal after a major comeback, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie in strong scoring form and Eneko Satrustegui expected to help contain Mohun Bagan’s attack.
Mohun Bagan’s Approach
Mohun Bagan have conceded no goals in the group stage and only one goal before their quarterfinal shootout victory, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith played a key role in that win.
Key facts
- Match
- NorthEast United FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Competition
- Durand Cup
- Stage
- Second semifinal
- Kickoff
- 7 p.m. on Thursday
- NorthEast United quarterfinal
- Won 5-2 against Shillong Lajong FC after trailing 2-1 at halftime
- Mohun Bagan quarterfinal
- Drew 1-1 with Jamshedpur FC and won 9-8 on penalties
- Previous meetings
- Mohun Bagan have won 10 of 13 meetings, NorthEast United have won two, and one was drawn
Quotes
Juan Pedro Benali
Head coach of NorthEast United FC
“"It's the semi-final of the Durand Cup, a very important game for us, and also for Mohun Bagan. It will not be easy for either team. We're talking about an opponent where nearly all their domestic players are national team regulars, combined with highly talented foreign players and a great coach."”
rediff.com
“"My expectation is to start the game with the right mentality, stay focused from the first minute, and give everything for the team. We've worked hard in training, and now it's about executing our plan on the pitch. Hopefully, we can put in a strong performance and get the result we want."”
rediff.com
Sources
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