Phalguni’s goal takes NEUFC into Durand semis

GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) edged past Indian Army by a solitary goal in the first quarter finals of the 132nd Durand Cup Football Championship held at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium here today. The all important goal of the match was scored by Phalguni Singh in the 51st minute.

It was the first occasion when the Highlanders will play in the semi finals of this prestigious championship. In the last four-game the side, on August 29, will face the winner of the second quarter finals between East Bengal and Gokulam Kerala scheduled to be held in Kolkata on Friday.

NEUFC settled down in the game today quickly and controlled possession in the middle of the pitch. The Indian Army was sticking to their plan of defending with numbers and attacking in the counter attacks. Liton Shil tested NEUFC keeper Mirshad with a long range effort and minutes later he combined with Rahul Ramakrishnan but the latter’s effort whisked past the post.

NEUFC dominated the next exchanges and troubled the Army defence. Ibson Melo set up French midfielder Romain Philippoteaux inside the box and his curler came back off the crossbar. Rochharzela had a golden oppor-tunity to give NEUFC the lead but the forward lashed his effort over the crossbar.

NEUFC coach Juan Pedro introduced Manvir Singh and Nestor Roger in the second half and the second half substitutes set up the first goal of the match. Nestor’s cross was headed towards goal by Manvir. His attempted header lacked the pace to go in but Phalguni chased the ball and managed to turn home in the 51st minute.

Army pushed hard in the finals minutes to find the equalizer as the coach brought on fresh legs to inject more pace. They piled the pressure on the NEUFC defence but the Highlanders soaked all the pressure to keep their one goal lead intact and booked their berth in the semi finals.

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