NorthEast United extend unbeaten run in Durand Cup to 14 matches
Guwahati, Aug 8: Defending champions NorthEast United FC continued their impressive run in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, defeating Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC 4-1 in a Group F encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred with a brace, while substitutes Macarton Louis Nickson and debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales added late goals as the Highlanders strengthened their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
The victory also extended NorthEast United’s unbeaten streak in the Durand Cup to 14 matches, with the defending champions remaining undefeated in the tournament since 2023.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali’s side dominated possession from the outset and took the lead in the seventh minute after Ajaraie was brought down inside the penalty area by Junior Onguene Nkengue. The Moroccan forward stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty to give NorthEast an early advantage.
The Highlanders continued to dictate proceedings and created several opportunities to increase their lead, with Redeem Tlang and Ajaraie both threatening, but Karbi Anglong stayed in the contest.
Against the run of play, the debutants found an equaliser in the 28th minute. A misplaced pass by NorthEast defender Soraisham Dinesh Singh gifted possession to Nkengue, who made no mistake from close range to level the score at 1-1.
NorthEast responded with renewed attacking intent before the break. Ajaraie nearly restored the lead with a powerful free-kick, but Karbi Anglong goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh produced an excellent save to keep the scores level at half-time.
Benali’s attacking changes at the interval proved decisive.
Just three minutes into the second half, substitute Parthib Sunder Gogoi set up Ajaraie, who produced a clinical left-footed finish to restore NorthEast’s lead. The goal was Ajaraie’s fifth of the tournament, moving him level at the top of the scoring charts.
The Highlanders continued to press for more goals, while Karbi Anglong looked dangerous on the counterattack. Nkengue came close with a powerful long-range effort, but NorthEast goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan recovered well after initially spilling the shot.
NorthEast eventually put the game beyond doubt in the 83rd minute when Buanthanglun Samte delivered an inviting cross into the box for Macarton Louis Nickson, who rose highest to head home and make it 3-1.
The defending champions completed the scoring deep into stoppage time. Abdul Rabeeh’s low cross from the left found Spanish debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales, who calmly slotted home in the sixth minute of added time to mark his first appearance for the club with a goal.
NorthEast United’s superior quality, attacking depth and effective second-half substitutions proved too much for Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, as the defending champions maintained their unbeaten record and moved a step closer to the knockout rounds.
