NorthEast United complete stunning comeback against Shillong Lajong FC to seal Durand Cup semi-final ticket
The Highlanders will play against Mohun Bagan in the semi final
NorthEast United FC produced a comeback worthy of their reputation as
the defending champions, overturning a 2-1 half-time deficit to storm past Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 at
the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday and book their place in the semi-finals of the 135th
Durand Cup.
In a quarter-final that had everything a Northeastern derby could promise, the Highlanders weathered
torrential rain, a spirited home side and a two-goal deficit before taking complete control after the
interval. Alaaeddine Ajaraie led the charge with a sensational hat-trick, while Etyan Jesus Gonzalez
Morales and Jithin M.S. added the other goals as NorthEast United scored four times in the second
half to turn the contest decisively in their favour.
The result sends the Highlanders into the semi-finals of the Durand Cup for a fourth consecutive
edition, keeping their pursuit of an unprecedented third straight title firmly alive.
With NorthEast United joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and East Bengal FC in
the last four, the semi-final line-up for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is now complete.
Shillong has the upper hand over the Highlanders in the first half
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The conditions made for a difficult opening in Shillong, with heavy rain leaving the surface slick and
unpredictable. NorthEast United, however, settled quickly and nearly found the breakthrough in the
seventh minute when Eneko Satrustegui headed narrowly wide from an Antonio Moyano corner.
Four minutes later, the Highlanders had their reward.
Redeem Tlang’s perfectly weighted long ball released Ajaraie, who showed the composure and quality
that have made him one of NorthEast United’s most dangerous attacking outlets. The Moroccan
forward took the ball beyond the advancing defender before calmly finishing to put the Highlanders
ahead in the 11th minute.
Shillong Lajong responded with intensity, and Figo Syndai levelled the contest in the 20th minute after
finding space in the final third and finishing clinically.
The momentum then swung towards the hosts. NorthEast United came close to restoring their
advantage when Jithin M.S. narrowly missed from a quick counter, but Shillong struck again in the
34th minute. Jota raced through on goal, rounded Gurmeet Singh and completed the turnaround to
send the Highlanders into the interval trailing 2-1.
The scoreline, however, did little to reflect what was about to unfold.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s hat trick powers NorthEast to beat Shillong Lajong
NorthEast United emerged from the break with renewed purpose. The rain eased, the Highlanders
raised the tempo, and the game began to move decisively in their direction.
The equaliser arrived in the 55th minute. Etyhan Jesus Gonzalez Morales finished a flowing NorthEast
move to make it 2-2 and, suddenly, the quarter-final had been reset.
Three minutes later, the comeback was complete.
Ajaraie struck again, clinically finishing another attacking move to put the Highlanders 3-2 ahead.
Having trailed at half-time, NorthEast United had turned the game around in the space of just three
minutes.
Shillong attempted to respond, forcing a series of corners and pushing numbers forward, but
NorthEast United absorbed the pressure before beginning to create openings of their own. Juan
Pedro Benali refreshed the attack with the introductions of Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Nikola Ninkovic,
adding further energy as the Highlanders looked to put the contest beyond doubt.
And the decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute.
Jithin M.S. released Ajaraie into space, and the Moroccan made no mistake. He completed his hat-
trick with another assured finish, taking his tally for the night to three and NorthEast United’s
advantage to 4-2.
From 2-1 down to 4-2 up. The Highlanders had completely flipped the quarter-final and there was still
time for one more.
Jithin, who had been a constant threat throughout the evening, deservedly got his name on the
scoresheet in the 79th minute, finishing off another flowing NorthEast United move to make it 5-2 and
put the result beyond doubt.
The closing stages saw Benali manage the game intelligently, with Robin Yadav and Lalrinzuala
introduced as NorthEast United controlled the final minutes. The night also marked the competitive
debut of Pramveer, who came on for Asheer Akhtar.
When the final whistle arrived, the Highlanders had completed a remarkable turnaround.
From trailing 2-1 at half-time in a rain-soaked Shillong to winning 5-2, NorthEast United United once
again showed the resilience that has carried them deep into this competition year after year.
Four consecutive Durand Cup semi-finals. Another Northeastern derby conquered. And the defending
champions remain firmly in the hunt for three in a row.
Who won the Durand Cup quarter-final between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC?
NorthEast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in the quarter-final.
Who will play in the Durand Cup 2026 semi-finals?
The four semi-finalists are NorthEast United FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and East Bengal FC.
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