East Bengal FC will need to overcome a spirited Shillong Lajong FC and the challenges of playing at a high altitude for a place in the semi-final of the Durand Cup 2024-25. The hosts, known as the Red Dragons, who were promoted to the I-League 2023-24 after a four-year gap, will be backed by a vibrant full-house crowd at their fortress, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, locally known as Polo Ground when they take on the Kolkata giants.
Having defeated Nepal Army (1-0), and Rangdajied United (2-0), and earning a draw against FC Goa’s reserve side (1-1), Shillong Lajong will be looking to replicate their last knockout tournament meeting against East Bengal in the Federation Cup, where they edged past the red-and-gold brigade 2-1. While on paper East Bengal are the favourites, having thrashed Shillong 5-0 in the I-League 2019, the last time they met each other. They will rely on the experience of their versatile foreign players and their seasoned Indian core to progress further in the tournament. East Bengal are coming into this fixture on the back of dominant victories over Indian Air Force and Downtown Heroes, though their last group-stage fixture against Mohun Bagan was cancelled due to ongoing unrest in Kolkata.
Shillong Lajong, a club with a rich history in Meghalaya football, first rose to prominence with their time in I-League 2 in 2009. They secured promotion to the I-League within a season, only to get relegated in their debut campaign. However, the club reached the final of the Federation Cup in 2010 but succumbed to a penalty shootout defeat to East Bengal. In 2011, Shillong Lajong earned a promotion to the I-League. Although they couldn’t manage to win any silverware during their stint in the I-League until 2019, they sprang many surprises against formidable clubs. Unfortunately, the Meghalayan club faced relegation again in 2019.
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The Red Dragons rose to prominence once again, securing promotion to the I-League 2023-24 after finishing as runner-up in I-League 2. So far, Shillong Lajong’s most notable achievement on the big stage remains their fabulous run to the Federation Cup final in 2010. This time in the ongoing Durand Cup, after an impressive display in front of their vociferous home crowd during the group stage, the Shillong-based team comprising predominantly of local players, will go all-out to pull off an upset against East Bengal.
Coached by José Hevia, who has vast experience in Indian football, the Red Dragons will aim to reward their passionate fans, who fill the Polo Ground and cheer on their favourite club. However, they face an uphill task against Carles Cuadrat’s East Bengal side.
Except for Hector Yuste, who arrived in Shillong late on Tuesday due to a delayed flight, and Anwar Ali, who is yet to be registered for the Durand Cup, Carles Cuadrat will have a full squad available for selection. Dimitrios Diamantakos and Jeakson Singh, who didn’t start against Altyn Asyr in the ACL 2 preliminary clash, are expected to start against Shillong. In addition to facing a vocal home crowd, Cuadrat’s boys will also be tested by the high-altitude conditions. Situated at an altitude of 1,520 metres (4,990 feet), JLN Stadium will pose a tough challenge to the visitors, as the reduced oxygen level can affect physical performance, and the ball’s dynamics will be altered due to decreased air resistance. This altitude may work to the hosts’ advantage.
Shillong Lajong, largely relying on local Meghalayan players, can field two Brazilian players — centre-back Goncalves, who has played just one game so far, and centre-forward Rudwere, who has scored one goal in the tournament. Additionally, attention will be on the Meghalayan centre-back duo of Kenstar Kharsong and Ronney Wilson, both of whom have impressed in this Durand Cup, with a goal each to their names.
The visitors will rely on French playmaker Madih Talal, who has been the heart of their attack. His playmaking abilities will be crucial for the players up front.
While the star-studded East Bengal squad will aim to dash the hosts’ hopes, the Red Dragons will be determined to fight till the end and grab the headlines.
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