For long stretches, this looked set to become a shock. The report says NorthEast United led early, then fell behind before half-time as Shillong Lajong fed off home support and momentum.
What changed was the quality of the response.
In knockout football, that kind of swing says plenty. A side that can absorb pressure, recover from a setback and then take control quickly is a dangerous one. Ajaraie’s influence appears to have been decisive not just in front of goal, but in setting the tempo of the fightback.
If NorthEast United reached the semis with a burst of attacking force, Mohun Bagan Super Giant seem to have taken the longer route. Reports suggest they were held by Jamshedpur FC before advancing on penalties.
That matters for the semi-final.
A shootout win can sharpen focus, but it can also expose how fine the margins have become in this stage of the competition.
This next meeting has the feel of a proper statement game. NorthEast United appear to have the hotter individual performer right now, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant usually carry the weight and expectation that comes with the badge. The next storyline to watch is simple: can Ajaraie keep dictating matches, or will Mohun Bagan slow the game down and turn the semi-final into a tactical scrap?