A thunderous first-half strike from Redeem Tlang was all it took for defending champions NorthEast United FC to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC in the semifinals of the 2025 Durand Cup, booking their place in the final for a second consecutive year.
In a cagey opening half, Shillong Lajong frustrated NorthEast United’s attacking rhythm, keeping key forwards Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Jithin M.S. largely anonymous. While the Highlanders saw more of the ball, their best opportunities came through tame efforts — a Chema Nunez header and a long-range attempt from Andre Rodriguez — both easily collected by Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.
Lajong, playing in front of a spirited home crowd, looked threatening on the break with their swift counter-attacks. Striker Everbrightson Sana was a constant nuisance for the NorthEast United backline, forcing several errors, though his side failed to deliver a telling final ball.
The decisive moment arrived in the 36th minute, immediately after an unexpected pause in play. Match referee S. Senthil Nathan was replaced due to injury by Lalit Singh Rawat, and on the very next passage, Redeem Tlang struck a sensational left-footed shot from 30 yards. The ball swerved awkwardly in the air, wrong-footing Rymbai and nestling into the back of the net.
The second half saw Shillong Lajong push higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, leaving more gaps at the back. NorthEast United nearly capitalised when Rodriguez struck the post from close range. Soon after, Ajaraie had a golden chance to seal the result but fluffed his lines as he was first unable to connect with a perfect cross and later miscued a scoop with the keeper off his line.
Despite the late pressure, NorthEast United showed composure and defensive discipline to see out the remaining minutes, including six minutes of stoppage time. Their experience in high-pressure situations proved crucial as they held firm to clinch the win.
With this victory, NorthEast United FC advances to its second straight Durand Cup final, once again proving their credentials as one of the tournament’s most consistent and formidable sides. They now await the winner of the second semifinal, as they look to defend their title and write a new chapter in their growing legacy.
