GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC marched into the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup with a perfect group-stage record after beating FC1 3-1 in their final Group F fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, August 11.
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Parthib Gogoi scored twice, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie added the third as the Highlanders secured their third win in as many matches. Mohmad Ilyas scored a consolation goal for FC1.
The result saw NorthEast United finish top of Group F with nine points. FC1 ended their debut Durand Cup campaign with three points from three matches.
All 43 matches of the 135th Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali made 10 changes to his starting XI, with Spanish midfielder Antonio Moyano the only player retaining his place from the previous match. Etyan González Morales and Eneko Satrústegui Plano also made their first starts for the club.
FC1 head coach Khalid Qayoom made two changes, bringing in Mousa Ahmed Quersehi and Ivorian defender Tetty Armando Yoko, both returning from suspension after suspensions in place of Kamran Hameed and Aafreen Bashir.
FC1 had an early opportunity to take the lead after Robin Yadav was penalised for handling the ball from a corner kick inside the penalty area. Quersehi stepped up for the penalty, but NorthEast United debutant K. Mohanraj produced a fine low save to his left to keep the scores level.
The Highlanders responded almost immediately, taking the lead two minutes later. Antonio Moyano found Jithin M.S., who made a clever run between two defenders before sending a low cross across the face of goal. Gogoi arrived unmarked at the far post and calmly slotted the ball home.
FC1 enjoyed more possession during the opening 25 minutes, while NorthEast United remained compact in a disciplined mid-block. The Jammu and Kashmir side won four corners during that period, but their execution in the final third lacked the quality to test Mohanraj in the NorthEast goal.
FC1 continued to look for openings down the right flank, but a lack of numbers inside the box prevented them from making the most of their crosses. NorthEast United went into the break with their one-goal advantage intact.
The Highlanders doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half. Moyano delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box, and Eneko Satrústegui's header fell into a crowded area. Gogoi reacted quickest, controlled the ball and produced a composed finish to score his second of the match.
NorthEast United then increased the pressure, with substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia came close to adding another. Jithin M.S. delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, but Lalrinzuala was unable to make the decisive connection and the ball went out for a goal kick.
Lalrinzuala remained a constant threat and forced a save from FC1 goalkeeper Aftab Ashraf after being played through by substitute Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Ajaraie then missed an excellent opportunity after Ashraf failed to gather a cross cleanly, before the FC1 goalkeeper recovered to deny him again with a save from his left-footed effort.
FC1 were unable to withstand the sustained pressure from the Highlanders as they added a third goal. Parthib Sunder Gogoi threaded a precise through ball into the path of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to find the back of the net. The goal was Ajaraie's sixth of the tournament.
FC1 stunned NorthEast United FC with a goal seemingly out of nowhere in the 71st minute, capitalising on a momentary lapse in concentration from the Highlanders' defence. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi threaded a through ball into the path of Mohmad Ilyas, who had timed his run perfectly to stay onside. Expecting an offside flag, the NorthEast defence switched off, allowing Ilyas to control the ball before calmly slotting it through the goalkeeper's legs to pull one back for his side.
NorthEast United remained in control despite the setback, continuing to create openings and dominate midfield. Lalrinzuala and Ajaraie had further opportunities to extend the lead but were unable to add to the score.
The Highlanders comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure a 3-1 victory, finish top of Group F and book their place in the quarter-finals.