Reigning champions NorthEast United FC got their Durand Cup title defence off to a flying start as Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted a brilliant hat-trick to secure a 3–1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
The Highlanders, who lifted their maiden Durand Cup title last year, looked sharp from the outset and dominated proceedings from the first whistle. Ajaraie, the ISL 2024-25 Golden Boot winner, continued his fine form with goals in the 23rd, 29th and 70th minutes.
Midfield debutant Andy Rodriguez, making his first appearance for the club at 35, played a key role in the early dominance. His interception and perfectly weighted through ball set up Ajaraie’s opener, with the striker delicately lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper to make it 1–0.
Six minutes later, the Highlanders doubled their lead. Rodriguez won possession again in midfield and launched a move that saw debutant Lalbiakdika feed the ball into space. Though the return pass was slightly misplaced, Jithin MS capitalised by beating the keeper and squaring it for Ajaraie to finish from close range.
Benali’s men went into the break two goals to the good, and the second half saw a flurry of changes, with debuts handed to Chema Nunez, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Jairo Samperio, and Macarton Nickson. The substitutions added fresh energy, and the Highlanders soon put the game beyond reach.
In the 70th minute, Macarton picked up possession and released Ajaraie down the flank. The forward cut inside, feinted once, and buried a left-footed strike into the far corner to complete his hat-trick — a performance that underlined his growing stature in Indian football.
The visitors pulled one back late in the game, but it proved a mere consolation as NorthEast United closed out a commanding win. Debutants Jairo and Lalrinzuala both came close to adding to the tally, with the former hitting the crossbar and the latter denied by a fine save.
NorthEast United FC will next take on Shillong Lajong FC on August 8 in their second Group E clash.
