Holders northeast utd

Holders NorthEast Utd: Defending champions NorthEast United FC will face familiar foes Shillong Lajong FC in the first semifinal of the 134th Durand Cup, which is a repeat of their clash at the same venue last year, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) here on Tuesday.

NorthEast prevailed 3-0 over Shillong Lajong in the last edition on their way to clinching the title, but the I-League side is more determined to put up a stronger fight against the title holders.

Juan Pedro Benali’s Highlanders topped Group E with a derby win over Lajong (2-1), a commanding 3-1 result against Malaysian Armed Forces, and a 2-2 draw with Rangdajied United. They carried that form into the quarterfinals, dismantling Bodoland FC 4-0 in Kokrajhar, where Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted twice to take his tournament tally to seven.