Ajaraie brace takes NEUFC in Durand quarters

SHILLONG, Aug 8: NorthEast United FC booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup, with a game to spare, after a gritty 2-1 win over Shillong Lajong FC in a pulsating NorthEast Derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.
The victory took the Highlanders to six points from two matches, level with Shillong Lajong but ahead on head-to-head record, sealing their passage to the knockouts for the third consecutive season.
Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie (5’, 83’) was once again the star of the show, netting both goals to become the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals in just two games.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali made several changes to his starting XI, handing first starts of the season to local favourite Redeem Tlang, centre-back Asheer Akhtar, left-back Buanthanglun Samte, and new signings Chema Nunez and Lalrinzuala.
Chema, wearing the No. 10 shirt, made an immediate impact—slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Alaaeddine, who finished clinically to give NorthEast United an early lead.
The first half saw the Highlanders control possession and create further chances through Alaaeddine, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala, but they went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The second half brought greater intensity as the hosts pushed for an equaliser. Benali introduced Macarton Nickson and Jairo Samperio to freshen up his attack, while the defensive unit, led by captain Michel Zabaco, stood firm alongside Akhtar, Redeem, and Samte. Midfielders Andy Rodriguez and Mayakkannan worked tirelessly to shield the backline, with goalkeeper Gurmeet unfazed between the posts.
Shillong finally equalised in the 81st minute when Figo headed home to level the score, sending the home crowd into raptures. But the Highlanders responded almost instantly. Two minutes later, Alaaeddine received the ball with his back to goal, spun his marker, and chipped the advancing goalkeeper to restore the lead in style.
The Moroccan came agonisingly close to a second consecutive hat-trick, only to see his late header cleared off the line. Nevertheless, his brace proved decisive as NorthEast United marched into the quarterfinals.
The Highlanders will face Rangdajied United FC in their final Group ‘E’ fixture on August 11.
IMAGE CAPTION: Alaaeddine Ajaraie.