NorthEast United FC Beat Karbi Anglong 4-1 to Extend Unbeaten Durand Cup Run to 14 Matches
NorthEast United FC defeated Karbi Anglong Morning Star 4-1 in the Durand Cup as Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC strengthened their push for a place in the knockout stages of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a convincing 4-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a Group F encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, while substitutes Macarton Louis Nickson and debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales added late goals to complete a comfortable victory for the Highlanders. Junior Onguene Nkengue scored for Karbi Anglong, but NorthEast United's second-half attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.
The result also extended NorthEast United's remarkable unbeaten run in the Durand Cup to 14 matches. The defending champions have now avoided defeat in the competition since their last loss in 2023, underlining their consistency in India's oldest football tournament.
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali opted for an attacking 4-2-4 formation, immediately putting Karbi Anglong under pressure.
The Highlanders dominated possession from the opening minutes and consistently pushed their opponents deep into their own half. Their aggressive approach was rewarded in the seventh minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Junior Onguene Nkengue brought down Ajaraie inside the box following a corner, giving the Moroccan forward an opportunity to open the scoring. Ajaraie made no mistake from the spot, calmly sending goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh the wrong way to put NorthEast United 1-0 ahead.
The early goal allowed the defending champions to maintain control. Redeem Tlang came close to extending the advantage after being set up by Ajaraie, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Despite NorthEast United's dominance, Karbi Anglong remained competitive and eventually found an unexpected equaliser in the 28th minute.
A misplaced pass from NorthEast United defender Soraisham Dinesh Singh handed possession to Junior Onguene Nkengue. The forward made amends for conceding the earlier penalty by keeping his composure inside the area and finishing from close range.
The goal briefly changed the momentum, but NorthEast United responded by increasing the pressure once again.
Ajaraie nearly restored the lead with a powerful free-kick, only for Jaspreet Singh to produce an excellent save. Redeem Tlang also continued to threaten, but Karbi Anglong defended in numbers to reach half-time level at 1-1.
Benali made two attacking changes at the interval, bringing on Parthib Sunder Gogoi and Macarton Louis Nickson. The decision had an immediate impact.
Just three minutes into the second half, Gogoi found Ajaraie inside the penalty area. The Moroccan striker produced a precise left-footed finish to restore NorthEast United's lead at 2-1.
The goal was Ajaraie's fifth of the tournament, moving him level at the top of the Durand Cup scoring charts. NorthEast United continued to push forward in search of a third. Ajaraie came close to completing his hat-trick in the 52nd minute when he headed a corner narrowly wide.
Karbi Anglong, however, refused to completely surrender. Junior Onguene Nkengue came close to adding another goal when he unleashed a powerful long-range effort following a pass from Joseph. The shot dipped dangerously, forcing NorthEast United goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan to recover after initially spilling the attempt.
Benali introduced Spanish forward Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales shortly after the hour mark as NorthEast United continued looking for a decisive third goal.
Ajaraie missed another opportunity in the 73rd minute, sending his left-footed effort over the crossbar. Etyan also came close shortly afterwards when he attempted to chip the goalkeeper but sent his effort wide.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 83rd minute.
Buanthanglun Samte delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, where Macarton Louis Nickson rose highest to direct a header beyond the stationary Jaspreet Singh. With NorthEast United now 3-1 ahead, the game appeared settled, but the Highlanders continued attacking deep into stoppage time.
Etyan was initially unable to convert another opportunity after being picked out by Ajaraie, but the Spanish debutant would not have to wait long for his first goal in Indian football.
In the sixth minute of added time, Abdul Rabeeh produced an excellent run down the left before sending a low cross into the penalty area. Etyan arrived in the right position and calmly tapped the ball home to make it 4-1.
The final score reflected NorthEast United's second-half dominance and the impact of Benali's attacking substitutions. Ajaraie's two goals provided the foundation, while Macarton and Etyan ensured the defending champions finished the contest emphatically.
The victory strengthens NorthEast United's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages while extending one of the most impressive unbeaten runs in the Durand Cup.
For Karbi Anglong Morning Star, the defeat came despite a spirited effort, particularly after their first-half equaliser. However, the gulf in experience and attacking depth became increasingly evident after the break.
With the knockout stages approaching, NorthEast United have once again underlined their credentials as one of the teams to beat in the 135th Durand Cup. Their ability to combine attacking quality with tactical flexibility will make them a formidable opponent as the tournament moves towards its decisive phase.
Durand Cup 2026: Next Match
TRAU FC vs Indian Navy FT
Group D | August 9 | 4:00 PM IST
Venue: Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal
All 43 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
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