Shillong, Aug. 18 -- Defending champions NorthEast United FC will face hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the first semi-finals of the Durand Cup, a repeat of the last edition at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here in Meghalaya on Tuesday.
The Highlanders prevailed 3-0 over Shillong Lajong last year on their way to clinching the title, but the I-League side are more determined to give a stronger fight against the opposition.
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 against Rangdajied United. They carried that form into the quarterfinals, dismantling Bodoland FC 4-0 in Kokrajhar, where Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted twice to t...