NorthEast United FC extended their unbeaten Durand Cup streak to 14 matches with a dominant 4-1 win over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in Guwahati.
NorthEast United FC continued their Durand Cup title defence on Saturday with a convincing 4-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai, Guwahati.
Deploying an attacking 4-2-4 formation under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, the Highlanders took an early lead in the seventh minute. Alaaeddine Ajaraie was brought down inside the box by Junior Onguene Nkengue and converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh the wrong way.
Karbi Anglong Morning Star equalised against the run of play in the 28th minute. A misplaced pass from defender Soraisham Dinesh Singh gifted possession to Nkengue, who scored from close range to make it 1-1.
NorthEast United regained the lead three minutes into the second half following half-time substitutions. Substitute Parthib Gogoi set up Ajaraie inside the penalty area, allowing the Moroccan striker to place a left-footed finish past the keeper for his fifth goal of the tournament.
The defending champions sealed the victory with two late goals. In the 83rd minute, Buanthanglun Samte delivered a cross into the box for substitute Macarton Louis Nickson to head home. Deep in stoppage time, Abdul Rabeeh made a run down the left flank and sent in a low cross, which debutant Spanish forward Etyan Gonzalez Morales tapped in to complete the 4-1 scoreline.
The result earned NorthEast United FC their second win in as many Group F matches, extending their unbeaten run in the Durand Cup to 14 matches since their last defeat in 2023.
Reporting sourced from NorthEast Now Sports (Manipur/NE). Photo courtesy NorthEast Now Sports (Manipur/NE).