Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The 135th Durand Cup kicks off July 31 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Shillong Lajong FC faces Nongkseh Sports and Social Cultural Club in a high-stakes Group E opener. It is an all-Meghalaya clash. This marks the third straight year Shillong has hosted the tournament.
Three clubs from the state now compete in this historic event. Shillong Lajong reached the semi-finals in the last two editions. They want more. Head coach Birendra Thapa set a firm goal for the squad: "The team's objective this year is clear, to reach the final and lift the trophy after falling short in the last two seasons."
Thapa expects a tough fight. Nongkseh enters as the current Meghalaya State League champion. This is their first Durand Cup appearance. Their roster includes veterans from the I-League and Indian Super League. Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri leads the debutants against his former club.
Nongkseh coach Joseph Naik says the team worked hard to reach this stage. Shillong Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong expects an entertaining match. Pitch curator Uttam Kalita prepared the grounds. Local officials, including State Sports Council officer Nicholas, are ready for the crowds. Organizer Smita Chettri notes that public interest continues to grow. Fans remain split on the result, but the match signals a new era for local football.
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