NorthEast United FC Beats FC1 3-1 to Reach Durand Cup Quarter-Finals

NorthEast United FC marched into the quarter-finals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup after comfortably defeating FC1 3-1 in their final Group F fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. The victory ensured the Highlanders advanced from the group stage with a flawless record.

The Highlanders completed their group-stage campaign with three wins from three matches to finish at the top of Group F. Meanwhile, FC1 brought their debut Durand Cup campaign to a close, finishing with three points from their three matches played in the tournament.

NorthEast United FC struck early, taking the lead just two minutes into the contest through a well-worked offensive move. Antonio Moyano picked out Jithin M.S., who had made a clever run between two defenders. Jithin M.S. then delivered a low cross across the penalty area to an unmarked Parthib Sunder Gogoi at the back post, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give his side the advantage.

The home team doubled its lead nine minutes after the halftime restart, with Parthib Gogoi scoring his second goal of the game. Antonio Moyano floated a dangerous free-kick into the penalty box, where Eneko Satrústegui directed his header into a crowded area. Parthib Gogoi reacted quickly to control the ball before producing a composed finish through a crowd of players and beyond the goalkeeper.

NorthEast United FC continued their sustained pressure and expanded their lead further with a third goal. Parthib Sunder Gogoi turned provider as he threaded a precise through ball into the path of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. The goal was Ajaraie’s sixth strike of the tournament.

FC1 responded in the 71st minute, capitalising on a momentary lapse in concentration from the NorthEast United FC defence to score a goal. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi threaded a through ball to Mohmad Ilyas, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside. Expecting an offside flag, the Highlanders' defence switched off, allowing Ilyas to control the ball and calmly slot it through the goalkeeper’s legs to pull one back for FC1.