In a spectacular display of football prowess, NorthEast United FC secured a resounding 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC in the 134th Durand Cup final. This win marks their second consecutive title defense, making them the first team in 25 years to achieve this remarkable feat.
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 contributed to NorthEast United’s goals, showcasing their depth and attacking strength.
The Flow of the Game
First Half
- NorthEast United took an early lead with Asheer Akhtar’s goal in the 30th minute.
- Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead just before halftime, making it 2-0.
Second Half
- Thoi Singh extended the lead to 3-0 within five minutes of the restart.
- Jobby Justin scored for Diamond Harbour in the 68th minute, but NorthEast quickly reasserted control.
- Substitutes Jairo and Andy added two more goals in quick succession.
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie sealed the victory with a penalty goal in stoppage time.
Significance of the Win
- Historic Defence: NorthEast United is the first team since 2000 to defend the Durand Cup title.
- Team Effort: The win highlighted the team’s balanced attacking depth with six different scorers.
- Ajaraie’s Impact: The Moroccan forward’s three assists and goal underscored his star performance.
About the Durand Cup
- The Durand Cup, initiated in 1888, stands as Asia’s oldest football tournament.
- It serves as a pre-season competition for Indian clubs while upholding its historical significance.
- The 134th edition witnessed a surge in football’s popularity in India, with packed stadiums and strong displays from both seasoned and debutant teams.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- NorthEast United FC secures back-to-back Durand Cup titles, a rare feat in Indian football history.
- The team’s diverse scoring lineup showcases their depth and attacking prowess.
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie‘s exceptional performance highlights the impact of key players in crucial matches.
- The Durand Cup continues to be a significant tournament in Indian football, reflecting a blend of tradition and modern competition.
