Local favourites Shillong Lajong FC will set the ball rolling for Group E of the 134th Durand Cup tomorrow when they take on Malaysian Armed Forces (pictured) here at the JN Stadium. The match will kick off at 4pm following the opening ceremony.
The local I-League side will look to build on their 2024 Durand campaign, where they stunned East Bengal in the quarterfinals before bowing out in the semis to eventual champions NorthEast United FC.
Lajong’s squad features a blend of familiar faces as well as newer talent that has been roped in recently. SLFC will be coached by Birendra Thapa, who was promoted from assistant to head coach earlier this month.
“We are very excited to play our first match of the Durand Cup at home. The team is well-prepared and eager to give it our all. The environment in the camp is very positive, the boys are looking sharp, focused and ready to step up,” Thapa said.
Their opponents, Malaysian Armed Forces, are participating in the Durand Cup for the very first time. Representing the armed forces of Malaysia, the team is expected to bring strong discipline, fitness and intensity to their play, making them a potentially tricky opponent for any side in the group.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Malaysian Armed Forces Assistant Head Coach Masrizar bin Mizalan said, “We are looking forward to starting our Durand Cup campaign. It’s always special to represent the Malaysian Armed Forces on an international stage. The team has trained hard, and the players are motivated to perform well. Our focus is on executing our plans and playing disciplined football.
With NorthEast United and Rangdajied United FC also placed in Group E, every point will count in what promises to be a tightly-contested group. Lajong will look to take early control of the group with a win, while Malaysian Armed Forces will aim to make a strong first impression in their debut campaign.
