Shillong, Aug 17: NorthEast United FC were trailing two goals to one at half time in the fourth quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2026 against Shillong Lajong FC but turned this around to win 5-2 at the JN Stadium here this evening.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie (11′, 58′, 69′) scored a hat-trick, with teammates Ethyan Gonzalez (55′) and Jithin MS (80′) completing the rout in front of a packed stadium.
Lajong, who have now lost to their regional rivals five times in as many meetings in the Durand Cup, were down a goal but took the lead thanks to Figo Syndai (20′) and Jota (34′) before NEUFC stormed back in the second half.
Setting up for the crucial quarterfinal, both sides adopted an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Lajong coach Birendra Thapa named Ranit Sarkar in goal, with Kitboklang Khyriem, Arthur Tio, Joedson Dos Santos and captain Kenstar Kharshong forming the back four. Lamlallian, Gladdy N Kharbuli and Damaitphang Lyngdoh marshalled the midfield, while Joao Vitor De Paula Morais (Jota), Figo and Nelson Rymbai led the attack.
Highlanders’ coach Juan Pedro Benali also opted for a 4-3-3 setup, with Gurmeet Singh in goal behind a defence comprising Abdul Rabeeh, Eneko Satrustegui, Asheer Akhtar and captain Redeem Tlang. Macarton Louis Nickson, Antonio Moyano and Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan formed the midfield trio, while Jithin, Alaaeddine and Ethyan spearheaded the attack.
The match began under difficult conditions as heavy rain left the pitch slick and challenging. The surface made its impact almost immediately when Kenstar slipped awkwardly in the opening exchanges, although he was able to continue after receiving treatment.
The Highlanders made their early dominance count in the 11th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Alaaeddine. Latching onto a perfectly weighted long ball from Redeem, the Moroccan forward produced an outstanding piece of skill, taking the ball past an approaching defender before calmly slotting home to give NorthEast a 1-0 lead and draw level with Rodriguinho in the tournament’s scoring charts.
Lajong responded positively and, despite NorthEast controlling much of the early proceedings, found an equaliser in the 20th minute. Figo exploited space in the final third and finished clinically to bring the hosts level, sparking celebrations among the home supporters at the stadium.
Lajong’s confidence continued to grow despite the worsening weather, and they completed the turnaround in the 34th minute. Jota led a textbook counterattack, racing clear of the NorthEast defence before rounding Gurmeet and finishing confidently to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
The rain eased after the restart, and SLFC introduced Phrangki Buam in place of goalscorer Jota. However, the second half belonged entirely to the Highlanders.
They restored parity in the 55th minute when Ethyan found the back of the net to make it 2-2 Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again. The prolific Moroccan forward completed another clinical move to turn the game around and give NorthEast Utd a 3-2 lead.
Benali refreshed his side by introducing Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Nikola Ninkovic, and the changes helped NorthEast maintain their attacking momentum.
Ajaraie completed a memorable hat-trick in the 69th minute after being released by Jithin. The Moroccan finished confidently to extend the Highlanders’ lead to 4-2 and all but secure their place in the semifinals.
The Highlanders added the finishing touch in the 79th minute when Jithin capped an outstanding performance by getting on the scoresheet himself, finishing off another flowing move to make it 5-2.
Defending champions NorthEast United will stay in Shillong to face Mohun Bagan in the second semifinal, which will take place on 20th August. Mohun Bagan edged Jamshedpur FC 9-8 in a penalty shootout after extra time finished 1-1 between them earlier today in Kolkata. The first semifinal will be between East Bengal and SC Delhi on 19th August in Kolkata.
(Photo: NorthEast United FC/Facebook)
