GUWAHATI: Defending champions NorthEast United FC began their 135th Durand Cup title defence with a 6-0 victory over Bodoland FC in the opening Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday, August 1.
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Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick, while Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Redeem Tlang and Antonio Moyano scored one goal each as NorthEast United secured all three points in their opening match.
NorthEast United created several chances in the first half before Ajaraie broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. The Moroccan forward scored after Bodoland FC surrendered possession inside their own half, giving his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
Bodoland FC started the second half brightly, but NorthEast United doubled their lead when Lalrinzuala finished Jithin M.S.'s low cross after a through ball from Mohammed Arshaf.
Ajaraie then made it 3-0 after reacting quickest to a loose ball following Macarton Louis Nickson's delivery into the penalty area.
Redeem Tlang added the fourth goal after receiving a well-weighted pass from Macarton, before Ajaraie completed his hat-trick with a right-footed finish after beating two defenders.
Antonio Moyano completed the scoring in stoppage time after Parthib Gogoi squared the ball across the goal following a pass from Ajaraie.
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali started with a 4-4-2 formation, while Bodoland FC, coached by Vikash Panthi, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The next match of the 135th Durand Cup will see Mohammedan SC take on Samaleswari Sporting at 4 pm on Sunday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
