NorthEast United FC produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a thrilling Northeastern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today, booking their place in the semi-finals of the 135th Durand Cup.
Trailing 2-1 at half-time in torrential rain, the Highlanders turned the quarter-final on its head after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to seal a comprehensive victory. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick to inspire NorthEast United’s comeback.
The result also completed the semi-final line-up, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC securing their places in the last four.
The match began in difficult conditions as heavy rain made the pitch slick and unpredictable. NorthEast United adapted quickly and created the first clear opportunity in the seventh minute, when Eneko Satrustegui headed narrowly wide from an Antonio Moyano corner.
The Highlanders took the lead four minutes later through Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward latched onto a perfectly weighted long ball from captain Redeem Tlang, produced a superb piece of skill to beat a defender and calmly finished past the goalkeeper.
Shillong Lajong responded strongly and restored parity in the 20th minute. Figo Syndai found space in the final third and finished clinically to make it 1-1.
The hosts then completed the turnaround in the 34th minute. Jota led a rapid counter-attack, raced through on goal, rounded goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh and calmly slotted the ball into the net to put Shillong 2-1 ahead.
NorthEast United struggled to regain their momentum before the interval, allowing Shillong to take a narrow lead into half-time.
The second half, however, was a completely different story.
NorthEast United came out with greater intensity and equalised in the 55th minute through Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again, completing the Highlanders’ turnaround and putting them 3-2 ahead.
Shillong attempted to respond with increased attacking pressure, earning a series of corners and creating openings around the NorthEast penalty area. But the Highlanders remained organised and dangerous on the counter.
Ajaraie then put the result beyond Shillong’s reach in the 69th minute. Released by Jithin M.S., the Moroccan forward finished with composure to complete his hat-trick and give NorthEast United a 4-2 advantage.
Shillong continued to push forward, but NorthEast United defended resolutely and looked increasingly threatening whenever they broke forward.
The Highlanders added a fifth in the 79th minute when Jithin M.S. capped an impressive individual performance with a goal of his own, finishing off another flowing attacking move to make it 5-2.
NorthEast United comfortably managed the closing stages and saw out the contest without further damage, completing a remarkable turnaround from 2-1 down to win 5-2.
With the emphatic victory, NorthEast United secured their fourth consecutive Durand Cup semi-final appearance, underlining their consistency in the historic tournament.
The remaining semi-finalists are Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC, setting up an exciting final stage of the 135th Durand Cup.
