Bodoland FC vs NorthEast United FC: Alaeddine Ajaraie's stellar form, Bodoland fairytale run and other talking points

Alaeddine Ajaraie scored a brace as NorthEast United FC defeated Bodoland FC 4-1.

What a game we have had here in Kokrajhar as NorthEast United FC continued their title defence with a 10/10 performance against Bodoland FC in the quarter-final and have also made it to their third consecutive semi-final. Following this win, the Highlanders have booked a meeting with their arch-rivals, Shillong Lajong, for the second NorthEast derby of the 2025 Durand Cup.

It was a spectacle by all sorts, with both teams going head-to-head for a place in the final four. Alaeddine Ajaraie opened the scoring for NorthEast United FC with a solid left-footed strike before Andy Rodriguez doubled his side’s lead with his debut goal. Ajaraie toyed with the keeper to score his second goal, and then star boy Parthib Gogoi came off the bench to score the fourth goal for his side.

On that note, let us take a look at the talking points from this game.

Bodoland FC’s fairytale run comes to an end

It has been a different and extraordinary campaign for Bodoland FC this year. They looked better, sharper and raring to go. Their efforts and the difference that they made were clearly visible on the pitch.

They topped their group and qualified for the knockouts for the very first time in their history after two failed previous attempts. Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh’s side can be proud of themselves for the way they played and challenged everyone, including NorthEast United.

NorthEast United FC run riot

NorthEast United FC were all over their counterparts. It was a dominant performance by all means, and NorthEast United FC made no mistakes. They brought their A-game to the table and took the game to Bodoland FC from the get-go.

Their defence, midfield, attack, everything looked well settled, and therefore this was undoubtedly their best performance in the competition. Juan Pedro Benali’s side ticked all the boxes and pulled off a deserving result to march on to the semi-final.

Alaeddine Ajaraie continues his magical form

NorthEast United’s magic man, Alaeddine Ajaraie, continues to be their saviour in high-voltage games. The Moroccan produced the goods with a talismanic brace and put his side in the driving seat.

Ajaraie’s presence up front made all the difference for the Highlanders. His pace, trickery and ability to find the back of the net is what makes him so special. He now has seven goals to his name and is also the leading scorer in the competition.

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