NorthEast United FC Secures Quarter-Final Spot with Dominant Win Over FC1
NorthEast United FC Advances in Durand Cup
Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 11: NorthEast United FC successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup, maintaining an impeccable record in the group stages after defeating FC1 3-1 in their final Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday.
Parthib Gogoi netted two goals, one in each half, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie contributed the third goal for NorthEast United. FC1's Mohmad Ilyas managed to score a consolation goal, as reported in a press release.
The Highlanders concluded their group-stage journey with a perfect three wins from three matches, finishing at the top of Group F. In contrast, FC1 wrapped up their inaugural Durand Cup campaign with just three points from three matches.
NorthEast United's head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, made significant changes to his lineup, retaining only Spanish midfielder Antonio Moyano from the previous match. New starts were given to fellow Spaniards Etyan Gonzalez Morales and Eneko Satrustegui Plano. On the other hand, FC1's coach Khalid Qayoom made two adjustments, bringing back midfielder Mousa Ahmed Quersehi and Ivorian defender Tetty Armando Yoko after suspensions, replacing Kamran Hameed and Aafreen Bashir.
FC1 was awarded a penalty within the first seven minutes when NorthEast defender Robin Yadav handled the ball during a corner kick. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi took the penalty but was thwarted by NorthEast's debutant goalkeeper K. Mohanraj, who made a remarkable diving save.
NorthEast United quickly capitalized on this opportunity, taking the lead just two minutes later. Antonio Moyano found Jithin M.S., who made a clever run and delivered a low cross. Parthib Sunder Gogoi, unmarked at the back post, calmly slotted the ball into the net.
During the first 25 minutes, FC1 held most of the possession, but NorthEast United opted for a disciplined approach, avoiding high pressing. FC1 earned four corner kicks but failed to convert these opportunities into meaningful chances against Mohanraj.
NorthEast maintained a compact formation, making it difficult for FC1 to penetrate through the center. Instead, FC1 attempted to exploit the right flank but struggled to capitalize on their crosses due to a lack of support in the box, allowing the Highlanders to maintain their lead into halftime.
Just nine minutes into the second half, NorthEast doubled their lead with Parthib Gogoi scoring his second goal. A dangerous free-kick from Moyano was headed into a crowded area by Eneko Satrustegui, where Parthib reacted swiftly to finish through a crowd of players.
The Highlanders increased their attacking intensity, with substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia coming close to scoring. Jithin M.S. provided a tempting cross, but Lalrinzuala couldn't connect decisively, resulting in a goal kick.
Lalrinzuala continued to be a key player in NorthEast's attacks, forcing a save from FC1's goalkeeper Aftab Ashraf during a counter-attack after being set up by Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Ajaraie later missed a golden opportunity to score after Ashraf failed to handle a cross cleanly, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself with another save against Ajaraie's left-footed shot.
Despite the pressure from NorthEast, FC1 managed to score a surprise goal in the 71st minute. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi played a through ball to Mohmad Ilyas, who capitalized on a lapse in concentration from the Highlanders' defense, slotting the ball through the goalkeeper's legs.
NorthEast continued to create chances, with fresh substitutes maintaining control in midfield and preventing FC1 from mounting a comeback. Lalrinzuala and Ajaraie both had opportunities to extend the lead but were unable to finish.
NorthEast United comfortably managed the remainder of the match, securing the victory and confirming their place in the quarter-finals while extending their winning streak in the Durand Cup.