NorthEast United edges Army Red to progress to Durand Cup 2023 semifinal
The HinduKonsam Phalguni Singh’s goal steered North East United FC to overcome a spirited Indian Army Football Team in the first quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2023 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Wednesday. Indian Army Heach Coach L. Anthony Ramesh made two changes to the starting lineup with Captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri back after suspension in goal and Liton Shil in the place of Alwin E. On the other hand, NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali replaced five players, starting Soraisham Dinesh Singh, Gaurav Bora, Gani Ahmed Nigam, Redeem Tlang and Phalguni, with the final name proving to be the difference. Liton Shil tested NEUFC keeper Mirshad Michu with a long-ranger and minutes later, combined with Rahul Ramakrishnan but the latter’s effort whisked past the post. Army pushed hard in the final minutes to find the equaliser as the coach brought on fresh legs to inject more pace, but the Highlanders soaked in all the pressure to secure a spot in the Durand Cup semifinal for the first time.