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Jamshedpur FC defeated Ladakh FC 2-0 to reach the Durand Cup quarterfinals.
Jamshedpur FC beat Ladakh FC 2-0 (Picture credit: X @thedurandcup)
Jamshedpur FC beat Ladakh FC 2-0, while defending champions NorthEast United FC bagged a 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC to reach the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup on Friday.
An own goal from defender Siju in the 28th minute gave the hosts the lead before Praful doubled the advantage just after half-time, turning in from close range following a free-kick scramble.
Head coach Khalid Ahmed Jamil made two changes to the starting XI, bringing in Suhair VP and Sarthak Goloui, while Ladakh’s Rajan Mani named an unchanged side.
Jamshedpur dominated possession and created better chances, with Praful missing an early one-on-one before Vincy Barretto’s low cross forced the opener.
Ladakh rarely threatened, and Praful’s 46th-minute strike effectively sealed the result.
Jamshedpur saw out the contest with controlled possession to make it three wins from three and secure their place in the last eight.
At Shillong, Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s double strike powered NorthEast United FC to a 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
With this win, NorthEast FC qualified for the last eight with a game to spare, as they have a better head-to-head record against Shillong Lajong FC.
NorthEast United FC recorded their second victory in Group E and have six points, while Shillong Lajong finished their group stage campaign with six points as well.
A point gained from the last match for NorthEast United will ensure that they qualify for the quarterfinals as clear group winners.
Ajaraie continued his rich vein of form, providing the lead for the defending champions in the fifth minute.
The Moroccan found space to move between the central defenders as new signing Jose Manuel Nunez Martin slipped in a perfect ball for him to calmly finish past the onrushing Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.
In the second half, the game became physical as both sides cancelled each other out in the midfield to close down spaces. The conditions also did not help as players suffered cramps at regular intervals.
Shillong Lajong equalised in the 81st minute through substitute Figo Syndai. Left back Saveme Tariang found Figo at the far post with a curling cross, and the forward got ahead of Buanthanglun Samte to score with a header.
But their joy was short-lived, as Ajaraie struck again. Receiving a simple pass at the edge of the box, he spun past Kenstar Kharshong with a sharp turn and curled a precise shot into the top corner, taking his tournament tally to five goals.
(With PTI Inputs)
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