NorthEast United have reached the semifinals for the fourth consecutive year and are chasing a third straight Durand Cup title. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick in the second half to inspire the comeback. Defending champions NorthEast United FC will take on 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup in Shillong on Thursday. The Highlanders produced a strong comeback in their quarterfinal against home side Shillong Lajong FC, overturning a 2-1 half-time deficit to win 5-2.
Mohun Bagan will be looking to attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who has scored five goals in the tournament, while their defence will be led by Subhasish Bose. “They are a good side and we know they will give us a tough game. Mohun Bagan, the most successful team in the tournament with 17 titles, have built their campaign around a strong defence. They have quality players and will look to put us under pressure, so we have to be disciplined and focused throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
“It’s the semi-final of the Durand Cup, a very important game for us, and also for Mohun Bagan,” Benali said. “My expectation is to start the game with the right mentality, stay focused from the first minute, and give everything for the team,” Gurmeet said.
