Durand Cup Preview: Bodoland FC take on NorthEast United FC for a spot in semis

NorthEast United FC are defending Durand Cup champions.

The Oldest Football in the continent, the Durand Cup is all set to enter its knockout phase with eight teams eyeing the ultimate prize. Defending champions NorthEast United have also qualified for the last eight and will be locking horns against Bodoland FC in the first quarter-final.

This game promises to be an entertaining encounter between two local rivals on Kokrajhar’s soil. Let us take a look at how things stand ahead of this blockbuster contest.

Stakes

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC emerged as the winners of Group E by defeating the likes of Malaysian Armed Forces and Shillong Lajong during the group stage. Juan Pedro Benali’s side have a lot on the line and will do everything in their power to defend their crown.

The stakes are very high for John Abraham’s side and they will leave no stones unturned in retaining the title. This is a familiar territory for the Highlanders having made it to knockouts three times in a row. They have assembled a really strong team over the summer and will want to bear fruit in the Durand Cup to begin with.

Bodoland FC

Bodoland FC on the other hand have made it to knockouts for the very first time. They were the best team in Group D and took down everyone who came in their way. A 2-1 win over Karbi Anglong Morning Star followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Punjab FC.

They capped off the group stages with a dominant 4-0 win over ITB Police and secured their qualification. Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh’s side have shown immense potential and hunger to go the distance this season and will surely bring their A-game to the table against the Highlanders.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have all their players fit and available for selection for his high voltage clash. No major changes are expected in the starting XI as both head coaches would like to go into the game with their winning combinations. 

Head-to-head

Both teams have met each other only once in the past and that was during the Group stages last season. NorthEast United emerged victorious over Bodoland FC the last time these two teams met with Ankith Padmanabhan and Jithin MS finding the back of the net.

Predicted Line-up

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, Buanthanglun Samte, Andy Rodríguez, Mayakkannan, Chema Nunez, Jithin MS, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Alaaeddine Ajaraie

Bodoland FC

Birkhang Daimary (GK), Danswrang Basumatary, Manabir Basumatary, Didwm Hazowary, Nabin Rabha, Timothi Narzary, Pedro Astray Lopaz, Gwgwmsar Gayray, Junior Nkengue, Pranjal Bhumij, Robinson B Rendon.

Players to watchout

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has singlehandedly won two games for NorthEast United in the 2025 Durand Cup. He has been an unstoppable force ever since his arrival in India and has adjusted himself really well.

The Moroccan forward is the leading goalscorer at the Durand Cup with five strikes to his name and will be looking to add more goals to his tally. He knows how to perform in high pressure games and his contribution on the pitch will be the telling factor behind NorthEast United’s chances.

Robinson Blandón (Bodoland FC)

The Colombian striker has been one of the top performers in the league. He has stood up and taken charge of his side on multiple occasions. In fact, Blandon has scored a couple of really important and match deciding goals for his side and will hope to continue his momentum. He is the top scorer for Bodoland so far in the Durand Cup and also their most important mean heading into this game.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2025 quarterfinal game between NorthEast United FC and Bodoland FC will be played on Saturday, 16 August 2025, at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar, Assam. It will kick off at 7 PM IST. The match will be shown live on the Sony Ten Sports network and SonyLIV.

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