Ajaraie Hat-trick Propels NorthEast United to 6-0 Dominance in Durand Cup Opener
The defending champions launched their title defense with a massive victory over Bodoland FC in Guwahati. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie secured a hat-trick to lead the Highlanders' second-half surge.
Key takeaways
- NorthEast United FC defeated Bodoland FC 6-0 to start their Durand Cup title defense.
- Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick in his first game back from a loan spell in Indonesia.
- The Highlanders scored five of their six goals during a dominant second-half performance.
- Goal scorers included Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang, and Antonio Moyano alongside Ajaraie.
- The Group F match was held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
NorthEast United Overwhelms Regional Rivals
The defending champions, NorthEast United FC, initiated their Durand Cup title defense with a decisive 6-0 victory against Bodoland FC on Saturday. Competing in the Group F opener at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the Highlanders faced a stubborn defensive unit for the majority of the opening period. Bodoland FC maintained a disciplined structure that thwarted the hosts' offensive maneuvers for nearly 45 minutes.
Ajaraie Leads the Offensive Surge
The deadlock finally broke during first-half stoppage time when Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie found the net in the 45+3 minute. Returning to the squad following a loan spell at the Indonesian club Persija, Ajaraie proved to be the catalyst for the Highlanders' dominance. His performance included two subsequent goals in the 67th and 86th minutes, successfully completing his hat-trick.
Five-Goal Blitz in the Second Half
While the first half remained competitive, NorthEast United emerged from the interval with significantly higher intensity. The floodgates opened as the hosts dismantled Bodoland's defense with five goals after the break. The scoring distribution included contributions from across the roster:
- Lalrinzuala extended the lead in the 58th minute.
- Substitute Redeem Tlang added a fifth goal in the 70th minute.
- Antonio Moyano finalized the 6-0 scoreline during stoppage time in the 91st minute.
The result places NorthEast United in a commanding position within Group F as they aim to retain their silverware.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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