SHILLONG: Since the afternoon, all roads in Meghalaya were virtually leading to the Nehru Stadium in the capital, buzzing with anticipation of another giant-killing act. Once again, Lajong FC had all the noise and a 16000-odd crowd inside the stadium made it quite intimidating for the visitors to breathe. Once again, the stage was set for the home team to go for another kill, after stunning East Bengal FC four days ago.
But Lajong's youthful exuberance and promise could take them only thus far as NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) came and brought them crashing down to earth with a 3-0 win on Monday.
If Lajong's fairytale run in front of their proverbial 12th man ended with a whimper, NorthEast United's march to the Durand Cup final here on Monday was immensely credible. This was their night, make no mistake. They not only beat Lajong in their own den but trumped them in their own game as well. It was NorthEast United, who made all the right noise in the Meghalaya capital.
Goals from Thoi Singh (13 minutes) and Alaeddine Ajaraie (33) set them on way to making their maiden final of a major national tournament inside the first half. Late substitute Parthib Gogoi wrapped it up for the Highlanders as they now prepare to travel to Kolkata to face the winners between Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC for the final on Aug 31.
