Shillong Lajong 1-2 NorthEast United FC Player Ratings : Alaaeddine Ajaraie Masterclass sees the ISL side prevail over the I-League side in the NorthEast Derby

A fully Indian Shillong Lajong faced of against the star-studded ISL side NorthEast United for the NorthEast derby in the Group E fixtures of the Durand Cup. The Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United encounter took us to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Guwahati, and the match took place on 8th August at 7:00 pm and after a thrilling clash, the ISL side emerged victorious.

Shillong initiated the proceedings, and just within 4 minutes, Jose Martinez provided a quality through ball inside the box, which went straight to Ajaraie, who found the back of the net with ease. Later, Shillong were a bit pumped up and tried to attack from the wings, but the NorthEast box was flooded with white jerseys whenever Shillong attacked, and for this reason, the men in red were unable to score. Buam was the notable player from the I-League side, but almost all of his attempts were denied at goal by Gurmeet and at half-time the score was 0-1.

In the second half, though NorthEast tried all their might to attack, the Shillong backline stood strong as a rock and did not allow the Highlanders to progress forward with the ball. They were looking all in control with the ball, but the quality was lacking in the final third. Finally, after multiple failed attempts, Shillong finally found the back of the net from the services of Figo, who headed in a cross from Savme. This, however, was a blessing in disguise for NorthEast as the opponents lost concentration, leading them to concede yet another goal. Ajaraie once again found the back of the net to provide the men in white the lead and at full time the NorthEast had the final laugh.

Here are the Shillong Lajong vs NorthEast United Player Ratings

Shillong Lajong Player Ratings

Here are the Shillong Lajong Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Siwel Rymbai - 6/10

Siwei was just a spectator when the opponents scored the opener, as it arose out of a defensive error. Later, the keeper came out of his line and cleared away the danger balls during multiple instances, made some saves and did reasonably well.

Defenders

Savme Tariang - 6/10

Made some good interceptions whenever the opponents made speedy attacks from the wings. Later, as the defensive unit regrouped, they made things difficult for the opponents. Was physical and did pretty well to defend his goal. Provided the assist for the Shillong equaliser.

Kenstar Kharshong - 4.5/10

In the early minutes, the centre back lacked communication and left space in the defence, which was properly punished by Ajaraie. In the dying minutes, he made an error which gave away the win to NorthEast.

Rudra Ved - 6/10.

Did not shadow Ajaraie and was on the wrong side, which led to the opponents breaking the deadlock. Timed some solid tackles and resisted Jose from attacking from the right wing. Made some important clearances when the keeper was out of position.

Kitboklang Khyriem - 6/10

Khyriem moved higher up the pitch to contribute offensively and even attempted some shots at goal, which ultimately were either overhit or underhit. In the defence, he made some crucial tackles and did a good job of slowing down the opponent's attacks.

Midfielders

Tremiki Lamurong - 5/10

Was decent in the midfield and made some interceptions. Had just a satisfactory performance in the match.

Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli - 5/10

Picked up a yellow card very early into the game. Was tricky and executed some clever moves, which could have turned dangerous if the ball missed.

Damaitphang Lyngdoh - 5/10

Won some duels, came back to defend and had a decent day in the office.

Forward

Sheen Stevenson Sohktung - 5/10

Sohktung was not seen contributing much offensively apart from linking up with his player in and around the attacking third.

Everbrightson Sana - 5.5/10

Sana created some confusion for the opponents in the box with his moves. However, his attempts were slow, and this gave opponents time to defend as a group.

Phrangki Buam - 6/10

Buam was quick on the right wing and attempted to provide some carpet crosses inside the box to his teammates. Took some shots from a tight angle and piled pressure upon the opponents.

Substitutes

Wadajied Kynsai - 5.5/10

Figo Syndai - 6.5/10

Came in as a super sub in the second half and scored the equaliser for his side, finding the back of the net with a powerful header.

Gladdy - NA

Abhay Gurung - NA

Ahliawat - NA

Manager

Birendra Thapa - 6/10

The coach could be pretty proud of his team as his All-Indian side made NorthEast really work to earn the 3 points. Both the goals came from avoidable errors and if Shillong progresses to the next round, the gaffer would want to rectify them.

NorthEast United Player Ratings

Here are the NorthEast United Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Gurmeet - 6.5/10

Gurmeet was top-notch in the match. Though he was put to the test only a couple of times, he was worth all the money every time. Came out of his line, made some stretches and dives and gave his all to guard the goal.

Defenders

Buanthanglun Samte - 6/10

Samte had the responsibility to cover Buam, and he was quite passable in doing that. In some instances, the opponent had the better of the full back, and this created some trouble for his side.

Miguel Zabaco - 6.5/10

Zabaco kept his eyes on the ball and was alert throughout. Marshalled the defence made some good clearances to keep the opponents silent throughout the match.

Asheer Akhtar - 6/10

Was booked by the referee quite early in the game, which restricted the player to an extent. However, as the game went on, the player had barely anything to do in the defence.

Redeem Tlang - 6/10

Redeem did not have much workload in the defence as the opponents were more or less having a defensive approach in the match. Was the source of the long throw-ins that went into the Shillong box and created confusion for them.

Midfielders

Andy Rodriguez - 6/10

Provided some reverse balls inside the box to add quality and flair in the NorthEast attacking initiatives. Andy was seen playing the ball forward to bolster the Highlanders' attack.

Jose Martin Nunez - 6.5/10

Provided a beautiful through pass to the attacking third from the midfield, which marked the opener of the game. Later, he attempted to make some runs from the wings, which, though he was stopped, helped to mount pressure upon the opponents. Was subbed off after the first half, probably as a precautionary measure.

Mayakkannan - 6.5/10

Mayakkannan was solid in the midfield and played a key role in dispossessing opponents and regaining possession for NorthEast. Made a good number of interceptions, won a good number of duels and did a good job in the middle third.

Forward

Alaaeddine Ajaraie - 7.5/10

Lurked in the box, won the through ball and scored the opener of the match. Later, the defenders did not allow him space and freedom as he would have wished to and he was visibly frustrated for that reason. However, he delivered when his team needed him and scored the winner in the late minutes.

Lalrinzuala - 5/10

Was not having much of an impact in the match and did not make any significant contribution to the attack. Was subbed off just after the break.

Jithin MS - 5.5/10

Jithin initially tried to make some accelerated runs inside the box, but most of them were clumsy and did not test the opponents. Was not mobile and was subbed in the second half.

Substitutes

Macarton - 6/10

Jairo - 6/10

Thoi Singh - 6/10

Dinesh - 6/10

Parthib Gogoi - NA

Manager

Juan Pedro Benali - 6/10

Benali, though on the winning side would not be satisfied with the performance his team has displayed. The gaffer would have a list of aspects where he would have to work on to emerge victorious in the next match which would decide their spot in the upcoming rounds.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Alaaeddine Ajaraie