Shillong Lajong FC’s impressive run in the 133rd Durand Cup continued as they held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in their final Group F match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The result secured a quarterfinal berth for Shillong Lajong, who topped the group with a better goal difference.
Marcos Rudwere Silva gave Shillong Lajong the lead in the 30th minute, but Devendra Murgaonkar equalized for FC Goa just two minutes later. The match took a dramatic turn in the 81st minute when FC Goa goalkeeper Hritik Tiwari was sent off with a straight red card, leaving his team with 10 men.
Despite the numerical advantage, Shillong Lajong was unable to capitalize and extend their lead. Both teams finished the group stage with seven points, but Shillong Lajong’s superior goal difference earned them the top spot.
Shillong Lajong joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Indian Army FT, and NorthEast United FC in the quarterfinals. Punjab FC and Emami East Bengal also booked their places in the last-eight stage as the two best second-placed sides.
FC Goa, despite having seven points, was edged out by East Bengal, which had a goal difference of plus four compared to the former’s plus two.
The quarterfinal fixtures have been tentatively released by the organizers. East Bengal will face Shillong Lajong in Shillong on August 21, while NorthEast United FC will take on Indian Army FT in Kokrajhar. The remaining two quarterfinals will be played on August 23, with Mohun Bagan SG meeting Punjab FC in Jamshedpur and Bengaluru FC facing Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata.
