NorthEast United FC vs Diamond Harbour FC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | Durand Cup 2025 Final

NorthEast United FC are the defending champions of the Durand Cup.

36 league stage games and six knockout fixtures later, it all comes down to the grand finale of the 2025 Durand Cup where two teams will battle it out for the bragging rights and the ultimate prize.

NorthEast United will travel to the City of Joy to face off against Diamond Harbour in their second consecutive final. This game would be the perfect way to cap off a wonderful and entertaining edition of Asia’s oldest football competition.

Let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the big game.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC have done extremely well to come all the way to the final once again after a title winning campaign last season. The Highlanders are just one game away from defending their crown and becoming back-to-back Durand Cup champions.

They edged past Shillong Lajong in the semi-final courtesy of a screamer from local lad Redeem Tlang in the first half. Juan Pedro Benali will be expected to come out with all the tricks in his bag for the grand finale and help his side retain their title. Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s performance will be the key to fuel their chances and go the distance yet again.

Diamond Harbour FC

Diamond Harbour FC have been the story of the 2025 Durand Cup. They have taken down everyone who has come in their way, and now it’s down to the final challenge against the defending champions. The Harbour Boys defied all the odds and emerged victorious against a mighty East Bengal side in the semi-final.

With this win, they have sent a message of intent to their counterparts not to underestimate them. They are the giant killers and have already defeated three ISL sides in the build-up to the final.

Injury and Team News

There are no reports of any injury concerns or suspensions for either side heading into the finale as both teams are expected to have all their players fit and available for selection.

Head-to-head

Both sides have never come across each other and this will be the very first meeting between them.

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

Diamond Harbour FC

Susnata Malik (GK), Ajith Kumar, Mikel Kortazar, Naresh Singh, Melroy Assisi, Clayton, Lalliansanga, Paul Ramfangzauva, Girik Khosla, Luka Majcen, Joby Justin

Players to watch out

Alaaeddine Ajaraie ( NorthEast United FC)

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has done everything right to guide NorthEast United to their second consecutive Durand Cup final and he must do it one more time in the ultimate game.

Ajaraie is the leading goalscorer in the competition with seven strikes to his name and will be hopeful to add more goals to his tally and take his side to another title. The Moroccan forward produced a heroic performance in last edition’s final at the very same venue and will hope to come up with a repeat performance against Diamond Harbour.

Jobby Justin (Diamond Harbour FC)

Jobby Justin is the man in form for Diamond Harbour heading into the final. The former Indian international produced one of the most important moments of his career and pulled off the unthinkable by scoring the winning goal against East Bengal. He will be on cloud nine at the moment and will hope to make the most out of his confidence and abilities to trouble NorthEast United in the final.

Telecast

The Durand Cup 2025 final game between NorthEast United FC and Diamond Harbour FC will be played on Saturday, 16 August 2025, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, West Bengal. It will kick off at 5.30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on the Sony Ten Sports network and SonyLIV.

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