NorthEast United Win Maiden IndianOil Durand Cup Title with a Brilliant Comeback Victory
A Blockbuster Finals on the Cards as Mohun Bagan Super Giant Faces NorthEast United for the IndianOil Durand Cup Title
Durand Cup Organising Committee Announces Ticket Refund for Abandoned Kolkata Derby
The Durand Cup in Shillong and how the Army led the charge in making it happen
*Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri felicitated by Eastern Command*
Mohun Bagan Super Giant make second successive IndianOil Durand Cup final
Mohun Bagan Super Giants to Lock Horns with Bengaluru FC for a Spot in the Finals
NorthEast United make historic first Durand final
Shillong Lajong Welcomes NorthEast United in an Epic IndianOil Durand Cup Semi-final
“I Hope To Have My Best Season in India With Blasters” – Noah Sadaoui
A festive mood was in display at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday as the 133rd edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup commenced in the football loving city. Home club Shillong Lajong FC returned to the stadium after five years and registered a 1-0 win against Tribhuvan Army FC of Nepal to begin their 2024-25 season.
Shillong Lajong last played at the JN Stadium on the 8th of March 2019 when they suffered a narrow defeat against Mohun Bagan in the I-League. Five years later, there were three names which remained the same who started on The Reds’ opening encounter of the Durand Cup – Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri, PhrangkiBuam and KynsailangKhongsit. Hardy led his side out on a packed Friday afternoon and took time to thank the fans across the stands after securing the three points.
Shillong is one of the two new hosts added in the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup. “In a city with football culture, it’s an amazing feeling to witness the Durand Cup being hosted in Shillong. Having such a historic and prestigious tournament here allows the fans to watch our local players play against the ISL clubs as well as foreign clubs. The organizers have done an excellent job to expand the tournament to different new cities and engage more youth in this beautiful game,” said Riewdondor, another Lajong Faithful, who has always made sure not to miss an opportunity to see his favourite side play.
The newly renovated stadium also saw many schoolchildren turn up to watch the footballing action. For 11-year-old Kitboklang, it was a first time experience to watch a foreign team play. “All thanks to the Durand Cup, that I got to watch a foreign team play against Lajong today. It was also the first time for me that I have seen so many people cheering and watching football together,” he said after cheering off his local team for their first win.