Alaeddine Ajaraie on NorthEast United journey, goal-scoring form in ISL & more

Alaeddine Ajaraie’s goal-scoring streak propels NorthEast United FC to new heights.

Alaeddine Ajaraie, the Moroccan 31-year-old forward for NorthEast United FC, has made headlines by scoring four goals in his maiden Indian Super League (ISL)2024-25 season in four consecutive matches. Starting with a strike in the Durand Cup 2024 semifinal against Shillong Lajong FC, the attacker has scored six goals in a row in six games.

Ajaraie joined the Highlanders this summer on a free transfer from the Moroccan club FAR Rabat. He debuted for the club in the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, in a group stage match against BSF FC, where he converted a penalty to score his first goal. 

The Moroccan spoke exclusively with Khel Now and shared his football journey.

On signing with NorthEast United FC

On August 1st, 2024, NorthEast United FC, the ISL outfit, announced that the club had signed Alaeddine Ajaraie for the 2024-25 season with an option to extend the contract for another year. Addressing the question of Khel Now about joining the club, Alaeddine said, “The club was interested in signing me last year too. Of course, Moroccan players are one of the reasons I came to NorthEast United FC. My friend Hamza Regragui encouraged and motivated me to join NorthEast United FC.” 

The Moroccan won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2020 with Hamza Regragui at RS Berkane, the defender who had joined the Highlanders on January 12th, 2024, in the previous mid-season. He has also played alongside another key player of the Highlanders, Mohammed Ali Bemammer.

Heroic Performance in the Durand Cup

In NorthEast United FC’s first silverware, the Durand Cup, Alaeddine Ajaraie played an important role. In the semifinal against Shillong Lajong, his brilliant key pass to Jithin MS became a pre-assist for the first goal for the club. The Moroccan also scored the second goal to establish the dominance of the Highlanders. 

In the final against Indian football powerhouse Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Alaeddine played a heroic role in the club’s first-ever trophy win. The Moroccan struggled in the first half; however, he made a brilliant comeback and helped his team recover from a 2-0 deficit.

In the second half, he scored his first goal with a sharp strike into the far corner of the goalpost, beating the helpless Vishal Kaith, and assisted the second to Guillermo Fernandez, helping his side script an incredible comeback. 

Looking back at his performance, Alaeddine said, “The second half turned the tide of the match. I was freed of the pressure, and I focused on the balls I received from my teammates and tried to do the same. That letting go of pressure helped me play a good match.” 

He confidently defeated the Mariners’ shot-stopper once again, to score the fourth penalty in the shootout, giving his team a vital lead.

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On goal-scoring streak

During his debut ongoing campaign in the ISL, Ajaraie has scored in each of NorthEast United’s games against Mohammedan SC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Kerala Blasters FC, and FC Goa, helping his side earn five points from their four ISL games so far.

He became the second player in ISL history to do this, after Chennaiyin FC’s forward Elano Blumer. The Brazilian forward scored eight goals in six consecutive games for the Marina Machans in the first season of the ISL. 

Talking about his goal-scoring run, Alaeddine Ajaraie said he had full confidence in coach Juan Pedro Benali, which is important to him. Acknowledging his teammates, the Moroccan said, “I am fully focused on my work on the field and try to help my teammates, and it helps me get results in matches. No player can achieve anything on the field without the assistance of their teammates. As for the coach, he has full confidence in me, and that is the most important thing.”

On the quality of ISL and adjusting to life in India

Before signing with NorthEast United FC, Ajaraie had experience playing in different top leagues in Asia. The Moroccan was the top scorer for Muaither SC (11 goals in 13 appearances) in Qatar’s second division and helped his side earn promotion to the Qatar Stars League.

After helping Muaither with promotion, he moved to AS FAR Rabat, a team in Morocco’s top tier. Before joining the Highlanders, he scored 143 goals in 211 appearances for different clubs. 

Commenting on the level of competition in the ISL, he said, “Frankly, I was surprised to see the high competition level and professionalism in the Indian Super League (ISL). I am happy to have joined the ISL, and it will only bring out the best in me.” 

“India is a beautiful country. The people are kind and respectful, and I will always reciprocate their affection. As a foreigner, anyone would want to feel at home, and I feel safe and at home here,” he replied when asked about adjusting to life in India.

Speaking the language of football

NorthEast United FC, the club representing eight states from the northeastern region of the country, has a versatile group of players who speak different languages. However, head coach Juan Pedro Benali speaks seven to eight languages to communicate with the players. 

Speaking about the language difference, Alaeddine Ajaraie, who is also not very comfortable with English, said that sports have only one language. 

“It’s easy when we talk about football or a sport; the sport has only one language. We often speak in English, but language is not a barrier. No matter which language we speak, any of the Indian languages, English, French, or Moroccan, it does not matter because we understand each other,” the Moroccan concluded.

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