In a thrilling Durand Cup quarterfinal, NorthEast United FC overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2, securing their place in the semifinals.
Shillong, India Aug 17, 2026 ALN: NorthEast United FC showcased their resilience in the fourth quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2026, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 at the JN Stadium. Despite trailing 2-1 at the break, the Highlanders turned the match around with a stunning second-half performance, demonstrating the unpredictability and excitement that knockout tournaments can bring.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 11th, 58th, and 69th minutes. His performance was pivotal, showcasing not only his finishing ability but also his knack for being in the right place at the right time. He was supported by Ethyan Gonzalez (55′) and Jithin MS (80′), who also found the net, completing a remarkable comeback in front of a passionate crowd that had gathered to witness this high-stakes encounter.
Lajong, who had previously lost to their regional rivals in all four of their prior encounters in the Durand Cup, initially took the lead through Figo Syndai (20′) and Jota (34′) after falling behind. Their early goals injected a sense of hope and excitement into the match, but their hopes were dashed as NorthEast rallied in the second half, illustrating the volatility of football where momentum can shift rapidly.
Both teams adopted an attacking 4-3-3 formation in preparation for this crucial quarterfinal. Lajong's coach, Birendra Thapa, opted for Ranit Sarkar in goal, with a defensive line comprising Kitboklang Khyriem, Arthur Tio, Joedson Dos Santos, and captain Kenstar Kharshong. The midfield was marshaled by Lamlallian, Gladdy N Kharbuli, and Damaitphang Lyngdoh, while Joao Vitor De Paula Morais (Jota), Figo, and Nelson Rymbai led the attack.
On the other side, Highlanders’ coach Juan Pedro Benali also fielded a 4-3-3 setup, with Gurmeet Singh in goal and a defensive quartet of Abdul Rabeeh, Eneko Satrustegui, Asheer Akhtar, and captain Redeem Tlang. The midfield trio consisted of Macarton Louis Nickson, Antonio Moyano, and Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan, while Jithin, Alaaeddine, and Ethyan spearheaded the attack. This tactical setup allowed both teams to utilize width and pace, making for an engaging spectacle.
The match began under challenging conditions due to heavy rain, which made the pitch slick and unpredictable. Despite this, NorthEast's Alaaeddine opened the scoring in the 11th minute, showcasing his skill by taking the ball past a defender and slotting it home. This early goal was crucial as it set the tone for NorthEast's initial approach and provided them with a temporary lead.
Lajong responded positively, finding an equalizer in the 20th minute when Figo exploited space in the final third to finish clinically. This goal not only leveled the match but also invigorated the home side, who had the support of their enthusiastic fans. The home side continued to build on their momentum and took the lead in the 34th minute through Jota, who rounded the goalkeeper to make it 2-1. Jota’s goal was a testament to Lajong’s resilience and ability to capitalize on their chances, putting them in a favorable position at halftime.
After the break, NorthEast United came out with renewed energy, a testament to their tactical adjustments during halftime. They equalized in the 55th minute through Ethyan, who took advantage of a defensive lapse from Lajong. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie scored again to give them a 3-2 lead, marking the turning point of the match. The Highlanders maintained their attacking momentum with strategic substitutions that injected fresh legs and ideas into their play.
Ajaraie completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, extending the lead to 4-2. His third goal was a result of a well-executed team move, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication on the pitch. Jithin capped off the scoring in the 79th minute, sealing the match at 5-2. This final goal not only emphasized NorthEast's dominance in the second half but also served as a reminder of their attacking prowess and depth in the squad.
Defending champions NorthEast United will remain in Shillong to face Mohun Bagan in the second semifinal on August 20. Mohun Bagan secured their spot after edging Jamshedpur FC 9-8 in a penalty shootout earlier in the day, showcasing their own resilience in a tense encounter. The first semifinal will feature East Bengal against SC Delhi on August 19 in Kolkata, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. With NorthEast's comeback victory, they have not only advanced in the competition but also sent a strong message to their rivals about their determination to defend their title.
The implications of this match extend beyond just the scoreline. NorthEast's ability to recover from a deficit may serve as a confidence booster as they progress in the tournament. This victory could also impact team morale and cohesion, factors that are crucial in knockout competitions. Conversely, Lajong will need to reflect on their performance and address the vulnerabilities that were exposed, especially in the second half, as they prepare for future matches.
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