NorthEast United FC vs Indian Army FT Highlights, Durand Cup 2024: NEUFC vs IAFT: 2-0 FT

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Beating Indian Army FT by 2-0 goals, NorthEast United become the first semi-finalists of this Durand Cup edition. Whoever wins the quarter-final 2 between East Bengal and Shillong Lajong FC, will face the Highlanders in the semis.
Full-time statistics: Even though IAFT's performance in the last few minutes of the match was not up to par, both teams shared ball possession (50-50%). NEUFC managed 13 shots in total and 6 of them on target. IAFT managed 12 shots in total and 4 of them on target.
90+6' The referee signals the end of the match with the scoreline reading 2-0 in favor of NorthEast United.
90+3' IAFT on the ball, a large number of them manage to get inside the box but with the NEUFC defense compact, unable to take a proper shot and with the cleared ball, NEUFC's Ajaraie runs to the other side, almost getting the third goal for NEUFC.
90' It has been all NEUFC in the last few minutes or so.
The referee signals 6 minutes of additional time.
NEUFC 2-0 IAFT
88' Ajaraie is a dangerous player near the box and that's what he showed with a shot beating two defenders but it missed the goal by inches.
86' Even with a comparatively slowed-down pace of gameplay from the Highlanders' side, IAFT have not been able to get another ball inside the NEUFC box.
(22) Deepaj in - (19) Ramakrishnan out for IAFT
84' (15) Macarton and (5) Hamza in - (9) Guillermo and (13) Mayakannan out for NEUFC.
82' The pace of the game has slowed down a little with NEUFC in no hurry at this point and the ball being played a lot in the midfield.
80' Samte receives the first yellow of the game after he was standing and waiting too long to initiate a throw-in.
NEUFC 2-0 IAFT
78' Less than 15 minutes left on the clock for the official time to run out. IAFT are yet to find that dangerous ball into the NEUFC box and it's NEUFC attacking relentlessly still.
76' Redeem comes in and within 2 minutes picks up the ball from the right to put in perfectly inside the box, Guillermo gets a foot on it and the shot it awkward but it reaches the back of the net.
73' NEUFC get their second and Guillermo finally gets his first goal of the match.
72' IAFT's counter-attack efforts have not been impressive.
(22) Redeem in - (18) Jithin out for NEUFC.
70' Pradeep steps up to take the free-kick but kicks it straight onto the wall, not out of the danger area, the ball ultimately reaches the middle of the box but no IAFT players are there to take a shot.
NEUFC 1-0 IAFT
68' Christopher who came on at the start of the second half, has been effective since. IAFT win a free-kick around 25m from the goal.
66' IAFT are finding their way back into the NEUFC box again and again in the last few minutes. With a little more lethal attacks, they could turn the game around like they did in their last match against Jamshedpur FC.
64' Jithin seems to be facing some muscle issue or other but he seems to have gotten up and will be continuing the match.
62' Nestor may have been taken out with giving him enough time to rest in mind with a long season waiting ahead. His replacement Ajaraie is effective as well who has done pretty well in both of their last two games.
60' IAFT trying to get their footing back in the game and they can still turn the game around.
(11) Bikash in - (7) Liton out for IAFT
(14) Ajaraie in - (10) Nestor out for NEUFC
NEUFC 1-0 IAFT
58' NEUFC with more confidence and relentless at attacking. IAFT hardly finding an attacking chance in the last few minutes.
56' NEUFC are not showing any signs of slowing down with another golden chance of scoring with Guillermo standing just at the right place and IAFT resorting to find a goalline save.
54' The ball coming all the way from the midfield reaches Guillermo inside the box who has no space or time with two defenders breathing down his neck but he finds Nestor intelligently who doesn't make any mistake of putting it in the back of the net.
(27) Nitin in - (15) Premkumar out for IAFT.
52' Highlanders take lead with Nestor scoring the goal.
NEUFC 1-0 IAFT
48' Second half begins and substitutions are already causing problems on both sides of the field.
(19) Thoi in - (16) Ankith out for NEUFC.
(20) Sagar and (87) Christopher in - (26) Ronaldo and (29) Rana out for IAFT
Players come back to the field to start the second half soon.
The first-half remained goalless. If the match ends in a draw, as per the rules of the tournament, it will not go into extra time. We will directly go into penalties.
Half-time statistics: Both teams have been equally good in the first half and the stats tell the exact same story. NorthEast United with 51% ball possession, managed 6 shots in total and 3 of them were on target. Whereras, from 49% ball possession, Indian Army FT managed 5 shots in total and 2 of them were on target.
Both teams now return to the knockouts after dominant group-stage performances, eager to settle old scores. NEUFC, under the guidance of head coach Juan Pedro Benali, have been in blistering form throughout the tournament.
Their group-stage campaign was flawless, as they cruised past all their opponents to top Group E with three wins from three matches. A commanding 5-1 victory over Odisha FC in their final group match showcased their attacking prowess and resilience.
Having also defeated local side Bodoland FC and BSF Football Team, the Highlanders head into the knockout stages full of confidence.
Similarly, Indian Army FT have had an outstanding run in the group stage, where they stunned Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win. This victory helped them finish atop Group D, where they also claimed victories over Chennaiyin FC and Assam Rifles.
The Army side showed remarkable fighting spirit, scoring three times in the second half against Jamshedpur to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. This marks Indian Army FT's second consecutive Durand Cup quarter-final appearance, and they'll be eager to avenge last year's loss to NEUFC.
With both teams entering the knockout phase unbeaten, this quarter-final promises to be a closely contested battle. While NEUFC will look to maintain their momentum, Indian Army FT will rely on their resilience and team spirit to spring another surprise. It's a do-or-die encounter where only one team can move closer to the coveted Durand Cup trophy.