NorthEast United FC sealed a place in the quarterfinals of the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup with a match to spare, defeating Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a high-octane NorthEast Derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie (5’, 83’) scored both goals for the Highlanders, taking his tally to five in two matches and emerging as the tournament’s top scorer. The win took NEUFC to six points from two matches, level with Shillong Lajong but ahead on head-to-head record, ensuring their third consecutive knockout stage appearance.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali rang in several changes, handing first starts of the season to local favourite Redeem Tlang, defender Asheer Akhtar, left-back Buanthanglun Samte, and new signings Chema Nunez and Lalrinzuala. Chema, wearing the No. 10 shirt, made an instant impact, setting up Alaaeddine for the opener in the fifth minute.
NEUFC dominated the first half but failed to add to their lead despite chances for Alaaeddine, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala. Shillong came out stronger after the break, and in the 81st minute, Figo’s header brought them level, sparking loud celebrations in the stands.
The joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Alaaeddine turned sharply in the box and chipped the goalkeeper to restore NEUFC’s advantage. He nearly completed back-to-back hat-tricks, but a late header was cleared off the line.
The Highlanders next face Rangdajied United FC in their final Group E clash on August 11.
