SHILLONG: In response to the overwhelming requests from supporters of both these teams, the much-anticipated Durand Cup 2024 semifinal between NorthEast United and Shillong Lajong has been shifted from Kolkata to Meghalaya’s capital city Shillong.
The Durand Cup Organizing Committee announced the change of venue and date for the tournament on Thursday.
NorthEast United beat Indian Army Football Team 2-0 in the first quarterfinal, while Shillong Lajong pipped East Bengal 2-1 to confirm the line-up for the first semifinal of the tournament, on August 21.
The semifinal, which was supposed to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 25, was officially shifted to JN Stadium in Shillong, the home turf for both clubs.
The match is now scheduled for Monday at 5:30 pm on August 26.
The organizing committee stated that in response to overwhelming requests from supporters of both the teams and the venue’s significance, the committee had decided to relocate the semifinal match between Northeast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC to Shillong and reschedule it one day later.
“This move is aimed at ensuring that the fans, who are the heart and soul of the tournament, can experience the excitement of this crucial match in an environment that resonates with the deep-rooted football traditions of their teams,” the committee said.
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It further added, “We believe this change will enhance the atmosphere and provide the teams with the support they deserve as they battle for a place in the final.”
The organizing committee, however, reassured that despite the change in one semifinal, the rest of the tournament’s schedule, including the other semifinal and the final at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, will remain unchanged.
