Published on Aug 17
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC produced a stunning second-half comeback to underline their championship credentials, defeating Shillong Lajong 5-2 in the fourth quarterfinal of the 135th Durand Cup in Shillong on Monday.
Trailing 1-2 at half-time, the two-time champions came out firing after the break and scored four goals to complete a remarkable turnaround. Moroccan star Alaaeddine Ajaraie stole the show with a hat-trick, while Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales and Jithin M.S. scored the other goals for the Highlanders.
Heavy rain made conditions difficult at the start, with the slick surface making the ball difficult to control. NorthEast United, however, settled quickly and came close in the seventh minute when Eneko Satrustegui headed narrowly wide from an Antonio Moyano corner.
The Highlanders broke the deadlock four minutes later. Redeem Tlang's perfectly weighted long ball released Ajaraie, who showed excellent composure before beating the advancing defender and calmly slotting the ball home in the 11th minute.
Shillong Lajong responded strongly and restored parity in the 20th minute through Figo Syndai, who found space in the final third before finishing clinically.
The hosts then seized control of the contest. NorthEast United nearly regained the lead when Jithin M.S. missed narrowly on a quick counter-attack, but Shillong struck again in the 34th minute. Jota raced through on goal, rounded Gurmeet Singh and completed the turnaround to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.
The deficit, however, only seemed to fuel NorthEast United after the interval.
The Highlanders returned with renewed energy and began dominating possession and attacking with greater purpose. Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales finished a flowing move to make it 2-2.
Just three minutes later, NorthEast United completed the turnaround. Ajaraie found the net again after another incisive attacking move, putting the Highlanders 3-2 ahead.
Shillong tried to fight back, winning a series of corners and pushing men forward, but NorthEast United's defence held firm. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali also refreshed the attack with the introduction of Parthib Gogoi and Nikola Ninkovic.
The decisive blow came in the 69th minute. Jithin M.S. released Ajaraie into space and the Moroccan made no mistake, completing his hat-trick with a composed finish to extend the lead to 4-2.
Jithin then put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute, finishing another flowing NorthEast United move to make it 5-2.
PHOTO CAPTION: Alaaeddine celebrating his hat-trick moment.


SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE:
Aug 19: East Bengal vs SC Delhi, Kolkata. Kick off-7-00 PM.
Aug 20: NEUFC vs Mohun Bagan, Shillong. Kick-off: 7-00 PM.