NorthEast United FC secured a spot in the 135th Durand Cup quarterfinals after defeating FC1 3-1, while Nongkseh Sports Social and Cultural Club recorded a massive 7-0 win over Mumbay FC.
NorthEast United FC defeated FC1 3-1 in their final Group F match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, securing a quarterfinal spot with a perfect all-win record in the group stage.
Parthib Gogoi struck twice for the Highlanders, scoring in the 11th and 54th minutes, before Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie added a third in the 68th minute. Mohamad Ilyas scored the solitary consolation goal for FC1 in the 71st minute.
With nine points, NorthEast United finished on top of Group F. Debutants FC1, representing Jammu and Kashmir, concluded their campaign with three points from three games. The group's second spot will be decided after Thursday's match between Bodoland FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.
In a Group E clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Nongkseh Sports Social and Cultural Club stormed past Mumbay FC with a 7-0 victory.
Hardycliff Nongbri opened the scoring with a 10th-minute penalty and added a second in the 79th minute, while Dawancha Carlos Challam also scored a brace (76', 81'). Single strikes from Kitboklang Pale (41'), Chesterpoul Lyngdoh (56'), and Sheen Stevenson (89') sealed the rout. The victory moved Nongkseh to second place in Group E with four points from three matches, while Mumbai-based Mumbay FC finished their campaign without a point.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.