NorthEast United FC stamped their authority on Indian football by retaining the Durand Cup title with a dominant 6-1 victory over debutants Diamond Harbour FC in the 134th edition of the tournament. The final, played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, saw the Highlanders lift the trophy for the second year in a row, becoming the first team in 25 years to successfully defend the title.
Match Highlights
Goalscorers for NorthEast United
- Asheer Akhtar (30th min)
- Parthib Gogoi (45+1st min)
- Thoi Singh (50th min)
- Jairo (81st min)
- Andy (85th min)
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie (90+3rd min, penalty)
Goal for Diamond Harbour
- Jobby Justin (68th min, deflected header off Luka Majcen)
- Six different players found the net for NorthEast United, reflecting their depth and attacking prowess.
The Flow of the Game
- First Half: NorthEast United took control early, with Asheer Akhtar’s opener from a corner in the 30th minute. Just before half-time, Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead with a composed finish, making it 2-0.
- Second Half: Within five minutes of the restart, Thoi Singh tapped in after Ajaraie’s clever play to extend the lead to 3-0. Diamond Harbour briefly threatened when Jobby Justin pulled one back in the 68th minute, but the champions quickly restored dominance.
- Late Onslaught: Substitutes Jairo and Andy added two more goals in quick succession. Finally, Ajaraie, who had already contributed three assists, scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal a 6-1 rout.
Significance of the Win
- Historic Defence: NorthEast United became the first team since 2000 to defend the Durand Cup title.
- Team Effort: With six different scorers, the win showcased balanced attacking depth.
- Ajaraie’s Impact: The Moroccan forward was instrumental with three assists and a penalty goal, underlining his star status.
About the Durand Cup
- The Durand Cup, started in 1888, is Asia’s oldest football tournament.
- It serves as a pre-season competition for Indian clubs while retaining immense historical prestige.
- The 134th edition highlighted the growing popularity of football in India, with packed stadiums and strong performances from both established and debutant teams.