Shillong, Aug 17: Defending champions NorthEast United FC produced a commanding performance to overpower Bodoland FC 4–0 in front of a packed SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar yesterday evening and march into the semifinals of the 134th Durand Cup 2025.
Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie (29′, 61′) struck a brace, while Spaniard Andy Garcia (53′) and substitute Parthib Gogoi (90’+2) added their names to the scoresheet, as the Highlanders set up a mouthwatering last-four clash against Shillong Lajong.
Lajong had defeated Indian Navy in a comeback win earlier yesterday in Shillong. This means that Lajong and NEUFC will face each other again in Shillong for the third time in two Durand Cup editions. Last year NorthEast United defeated Lajong in the semifinals by a rather convincing 3-0 margin and this year, in the group stage, the Highlanders pipped the hosts 2-1.
That most recent game showed Lajong at their best, even in defeat, and the Reds will aim to up their game for this year’s semifinals in what is developing into an engaging regional rivalry. The semifinal will take place in Shillong on 19th August from 7PM.
Yesterday, Vikash Panthi fielded a settled 4-2-3-1 lineup with Daimary in goal and Robinson leading the line, supported by Pranjal and Gwgwmsar Gayary on the flanks. NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali, reverting to his strong XI after resting players in the group finale, deployed his familiar 4-3-3 with skipper Miguel Zabaco marshalling the backline, Gurmeet Singh in goal, and a potent frontline of Ajaraie, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala.
The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. A defensive lapse from Bodoland allowed Jithin to burst down the right and square for Ajaraie (pictured right), who calmly finished past Daimary to silence the home crowd and put the champions ahead. Substitute Arjun Mardi had Bodoland’s best chance to equalise soon after, but he dragged his effort wide, while Junior Onguene was denied by Gurmeet following a clever Robinson pass.
Bodoland came out aggressively after the restart, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third was punished in the 53rd minute. A flowing move started by Zabaco released Buanthanglun Samte on the left, whose cross was met by Andy (pictured left) in the middle. The Spaniard’s low strike squeezed past Daimary despite his fingertips, doubling NEUFC’s advantage and making it the first goal for Andy for his new side.
Eight minutes later, Ajaraie struck again. Thoi Singh’s cross from the right found the Moroccan in space, who teased with the goalkeeper and defence before slotting coolly into the net for his second of the evening, effectively sealing the contest at 3-0.
Bodoland, spurred by their vociferous supporters, pushed hard to reduce the margin but were repeatedly thwarted by Zabaco’s disciplined backline and Gurmeet’s safe hands. At the other end, in the 74th minute, Redeem Tlang forced Daimary into another acrobatic save from distance.
The final word came deep into stoppage time when substitute Jairo threaded a delightful through ball for Parthib Gogoi, who kept his composure to slot into the far corner and complete the 4-0 rout.
(Durand Cup media photo)
