Shillong, Aug 8: Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s double strike ensured defending champions NorthEast United FC overcome Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a thrilling NorthEast derby of the 134th Durand Cup which was played here at the JN Stadium and secure their place in the quarterfinals with a match to spare.
Both sides are now on 6 points but NEUFC have a better head-to-head record now against Lajong.
Ajaraie bookended the match with goals in the fifth and 83rd minutes, the second soon after Figo Syndai (81′) had briefly given hope to the tremendous home fans of a point. Nearly 14,000 spectators thronged the stadium, the first time this season that the attendance has approached even close to a full house.
The Highlanders still have a game to go against bottom side Rangdajied United on Monday while SLFC have finished their group stage campaign and bagged 6 from three matches. Lajong could still qualify for the quarterfinals as one of the two best second-placed teams but they’ll have to wait until the other groups’ games are completed to know whether they will progress or not.
Coaches Juan Pedro Benali and Birendra Thapa fielded their strongest line ups for the all-important encounter making six and five changes respectively. The Spanish gaffer brought in goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, new signing Jose Manuel Nunez Martin, Asheer Akhtar, Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang and Buanthanglun Samte for NEUFC while the home side brought in Kitboklang Khyriem, Saveme Tariang, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Rudra Ved and Sheen Sohktung.
Star striker Ajaraie continued his terrific goal scoring form in India, giving the lead for the defending champions the lead in just the fifth minute of the game. The Moroccan found space to move between the central defenders as new signing, Jose Manuel Nunez Martin slipped in a perfect ball for the striker to calmly finish past the on rushing Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai for his fourth goal of the tournament.
The match settled down after the frantic start as both teams then tried to dictate the pace of the game. NorthEast could have doubled the lead mid-way into the half after Jithin MS found Ajaraie inside the box with a low cross from the right wing. The striker was slow this time to reach the ball as he could not find a clean connection to divert the ball into the net.
The home side did not sit back against the defending champions as they troubled the opposition defence with their quick counter attacks, using the speed of Sheen and Phrangki Buam on either wings and Everbrightson Mylliempdah down the centre. Gurmeet showed his class, making three saves denying Shillong Lajong the equaliser. He palmed away a strong strike at the near post from Phrangki before denying the winger and Sheen by getting low to deny their shots on target.
The second half saw a drop in intensity of the attacks from both sides as both defences stood firm and did not allow any clear cut chances to be created. The game became physical as both sides cancelled each other out in the midfield closing down the spaces. The conditions also did not help both sides as players were cramping at regular intervals.
The game came back to life in the final ten minutes, with Shillong Lajong equalising in the 81st minute through substitute Figo. Left back Saveme found Figo at the far post with a curling cross and the forward got ahead of Buanthanglun and found the target with a bullet header as Gurmeet was rooted to his spot.
The home side’s joy was cut short as they conceded right after the restart and it was Ajaraie again who found the target. The forward received a simple ball on the edge of the box and with a sharp turn, got free from Kenstar Kharshong and found the top corner with a neat finish to take his goal tally to five for the tournament. That strike was enough for NorthEast to ensure that they secure all three points and become the second team to qualify for the quarterfinals.
(Durand Cup media photo. Shillong Lajong in red, NorthEast United in white)
