Shillong: In a dramatic quarterfinal match of the 133rd Durand Cup, Shillong Lajong FC delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over last year’s runners-up, Emami East Bengal, in front of over 14,000 passionate fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday evening.
This triumph secures Shillong Lajong a spot in the tournament’s semifinals, further cementing their status as giant-killers.
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The match began with a surge of energy from the home side, as Marcos Rudwere Silva opened the scoring in the eighth minute.
Hardy Cliff Nongbri, known for his lethal set-pieces throughout the season, delivered a precise corner kick that found Silva, who expertly headed the ball into the net, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
Despite fielding a formidable lineup, including key players Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and David Lalhlasanga in attack, East Bengal struggled to break down Shillong Lajong’s resolute defense.
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The Kolkata giants, managed by Carles Cuadrat, pushed hard to equalize, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a combination of strong defending and outstanding goalkeeping from Manas Dubey.
Even when East Bengal’s attackers found space, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
Rudwere Silva nearly doubled his tally later in the first half, only to see his header from another set-piece strike the crossbar.
While East Bengal pressed aggressively, their attacks often lacked precision and cohesion, allowing the hosts to maintain their narrow lead going into halftime.
The second half saw both teams engage in an intense battle, with chances created at both ends.
East Bengal’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 77th minute when Vishnu PK set up Nandhakumar Sekar at the far post.
The winger coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leveling the score and raising hopes for the visitors.
However, as East Bengal pressed for a winner, they left themselves vulnerable at the back.
Shillong Lajong seized the opportunity, and in the 84th minute, Wadajied delivered a cross from the left wing that found Rudwere Silva.
The striker then played a low ball across the six-yard box, where Figo Syndai was on hand to tap it past Prabhsukhan Gill, securing the victory for the home side.
This remarkable win adds to Shillong Lajong’s impressive Durand Cup campaign, having already eliminated Goa FC in the group stage.