GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC staged a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup quarter-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday, August 17.
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The Highlanders, who trailed 2-1 at half-time in heavy rain, scored four goals after the break to seal a place in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the comeback, scoring a second-half hat-trick. Etyan Gonzalez Morales and Jithin MS also found the net for NorthEast United.
NorthEast United took an early lead in the 11th minute when Ajaraie controlled a long ball from Redeem Tlang, beat his marker and calmly finished past the Shillong goalkeeper.
Shillong Lajong responded in the 20th minute through Figo Syndai, who 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 swift counter-attack, raced through the NorthEast defence and rounded Gurmeet Singh before scoring to give Shillong a 2-1 lead at half-time.
NorthEast United came out strongly after the break and restored parity in the 55th minute through Etyan Gonzalez Morales.
Ajaraie then struck again just three minutes later to put the Highlanders 3-2 ahead.
Shillong attempted to fight back and created pressure through a series of attacks and corners, but NorthEast United remained in control.
Ajaraie completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after being set up by Jithin MS, extending the lead to 4-2.
Jithin then capped his own impressive performance in the 79th minute, scoring NorthEast United’s fifth goal to put the result beyond doubt.
The Highlanders comfortably managed the closing stages to complete a 5-2 victory and secure their fourth consecutive Durand Cup semi-final appearance.
With NorthEast United’s qualification, the four semi-finalists for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup have been confirmed- Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC.