Durand Cup 2025 Semifinals Preview: Derby clashes set stage for Final Four

The 134th Durand Cup enters the semifinals, with two derby high-stakes clashes. Northeast Derby, Shillong Lajong versus defending champions NorthEast United FC which will be held in Shillong, while Kolkata readies itself for yet another all Bengal affair as debutants Diamond Harbour FC take on East Bengal FC.

Semifinal 1: Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United FC

Shillong Lajong advanced to their second successive Durand Cup semifinal with solid performances in the group rounds, such as a 6-0 victory over Malaysian Armed Forces and a 3-1 victory against local rivals Rangdajied United. Lajong held on to make it through despite a 1-2 loss to NorthEast United in the group rounds and ranked among the top second place teams. In the quarterfinal, they defeated Indian Navy FT 2-1, overcoming a deficit with goals by Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Everbrightson Sana. Key players are forward Everbrightson Sana and Siwel Rymbai, the goalkeeper, who have played crucial roles in scoring as well as defensive solidity.

NorthEast United FC, the defending champions, finished top of their group having beaten Malaysia Armed Forces 3-1, Shillong Lajong 2-1, and drawn with Rangdajied United FC 2-2. They routed Bodoland FC 4-0 in the quarterfinal, led by Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals. Ajaraie's reliable goal scoring, coupled with the leadership of captain Míchel Zabaco and the input of Jairo Samperio, have been the pillars of their campaign.

Semifinal 2: Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC

The second semifinal is between two Bengal clubs. Diamond Harbour FC, debuting in Durand Cup, have impressed with organized performances. They picked up crucial wins during the group stage, when they defeated Mohammedan SC and rampaged through BSF FT 8-1 and qualified for the semi final after a 2-0 quarterfinal win over ISL club Jamshedpur FC, thanks to first half goals by defender Sairuat Kima. Luka Majcen and Clayton Silva (with four goals each in the tournament) spearheaded their attack, with goalkeeper Mirshad and playmaker Jobby Justin also making contributions.

East Bengal kickstarted their campaign with overpowering group stage victories, including a 5-0 win over South United FC and a 6-1 victory against Indian Air Force FT and edging past Namdhari FC 1-0, scoring a total of 12 group stage goals and conceding only onc with input from several players. In the quarterfinal, they beat arch rivals Mohun Bagan 2-1, led by substitute Dimitrios Diamantakos who scored both the goals. Midfielders Saúl Crespo and Miguel Figueira have been playing crucial roles in possession and transition, while the defense unit, comprising Lalchungnunga, Mohammad Rakip, Anwar Ali and Kevin Sibille has been maintaining composure under pressure.

Derby Context and Anticipation

Both semifinals have the passion of regional derbies. Shillong Lajong vs. NorthEast United will be fought out in the midst of colorful Northeastern fandom, and Diamond Harbour FC vs. East Bengal FC revives Kolkata's football flavour, making both matches absolutely must see. Shillong Lajong will look to avenge their group stage loss, NorthEast United will seek a return to the final, Diamond Harbour will dream of a historic journey, and East Bengal will seek a record title push.

The semifinals will be held on August 19 (Shillong Lajong v NorthEast United) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium(Polo Ground), Shillong, and on August 20 (Diamond Harbour v East Bengal) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.