Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], August 15 (ANI): The Durand Cup shifts into increased gear as quarterfinal motion grips Shillong and Kokrajhar, each awaiting high-intensity knockout drama, promising an exhilarating match day and electrical stadium atmospheres paying homage to the passionate crowds from the group levels.
The day’s quarterfinal motion kicks off in Shillong at 4:00 PM IST, the place native favourites Shillong Lajong FC welcome the in-form Indian Navy FT on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Later at 7:00 PM IST, all eyes flip to the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, the place Bodoland FC goal to increase their dream run towards defending champions NorthEast United FC, cheered on by their passionate residence help and the feverish soccer tradition of Assam.
All 43 matches of the 134th Durand Cup are broadcast dwell on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 HD) and livestreamed on SonyLIV.
Lajong able to defend residence turf towards resolute Indian Navy
The quarter-final curtain-raiser at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is shaping as much as be a high-intensity contest. Lajong, led by Head Coach Birendra Thapa, squeezed into the knockouts as top-of-the-line second-placed groups with aggressive in addition to gritty performances, together with a decisive win over Rangdajied United and a intently fought defeat to reigning champions NorthEast United. Attackers Everbrightson Sana and Phrangki Buam have been central to Lajong’s offensive rhythm, with the facet averaging over two targets per recreation this season.
Home help in Shillong stays a potent weapon, with vigorous fan chants and drumming driving Lajong to punch above their weight–especially within the must-win knockout setting. Coach Thapa is obvious concerning the workforce’s method, saying, ‘We play very aggressively and really attacking, which is our largest energy. We have the standard on the bottom, and we’ll use each little bit of it. I at all times need to win and encourage the gamers to provide their greatest and benefit from the recreation.’
Indian Navy FT sailed via the group levels unbeaten, topping Group F after a dramatic late comeback towards TRAU FC, a testomony to the never-say-die spirit. Navy’s last-minute targets from Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V.G secured their spot, with keeper Bhaskar Roy anchoring a steadfast backline. With physicality and health as their hallmarks, the Navy facet will look to silence the packed Shillong crowd and execute their set-piece-heavy recreation plan. Their head coach, Ramesh Rai, exuded confidence forward of the competition, ‘Our preparation is sweet, the gamers are in form, motivated, and not off course. Tomorrow shall be an attractive recreation, and we are going to battle. In soccer, we are able to by no means count on to win, however we are able to at all times promise a very good recreation and a very good battle.’
With each coaches setting a tone of ambition and resilience, this conflict guarantees a captivating distinction. Expect a seesaw battle, with Lajong’s attacking aptitude up towards Navy’s disciplined construction and counter-attacks.
Bodoland goals to increase its historic run, faces NorthEast’s title defence in Kokrajhar.
Later, the highlight shifts to Kokrajhar’s SAI Stadium, the place first-time quarterfinalists Bodoland FC face the daunting problem of defending champions NorthEast United FC. Bodoland, using on the crest of native help, stormed via the group stage with an ideal 9 factors, together with a press release 4-0 win over ITBP FT in heavy rain — with Timothi Narzary, Pedro Astray, and Gwgwmsar Gayary starring for the hosts and gorgeous ISL facet Punjab FC 1-0. The vitality and euphoria in Kokrajhar have been electrical, creating one of many Durand Cup’s most intimidating residence atmospheres.
Coach Vikash Panthi has instilled a mix of attacking soccer and defensive self-discipline; the facet’s transition play and pacey wingers are anticipated to pose issues for NorthEast. ‘Tactics shall be displayed on the pitch in the course of the match,’ mentioned Panthi, conserving his playing cards near his chest whereas hinting at a meticulously ready recreation plan for the high-stakes conflict.
But NorthEast United arrive because the heavyweight favourites, in search of back-to-back Durand Cup titles after profitable Group E, anchored by coach Juan Pedro Benali’s very good tactical method. Benali’s tactical acumen stays sharp, with NorthEast United retaining their free-flowing attacking type from final season and mixing seasoned ISL campaigners with promising younger expertise. The ISL facet boasts an skilled core, with Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie in deadly kind. NorthEast’s unbeaten run within the match is the right validation of their pedigree and squad depth, however Bodoland’s fearless momentum and native benefit may power an exciting contest.
Bodoland’s probability to script historical past and NorthEast’s quest for one more Durand crown make for irresistible drama in entrance of an anticipated capability crowd. (ANI)