Defending champion NorthEast United FC stormed into the semifinals of the Durand Cup 2025 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bodoland FC at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Saturday. The Highlanders will now lock horns with Shillong Lajong in a much-anticipated semifinal showdown on August 19.
Ajaraie leads NorthEast United’s charge
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the evening, netting twice to continue his prolific run in the tournament. The Moroccan forward, who is currently tied as the top scorer alongside Mohun Bagan SG’s Liston Colaco, opened the account just before the half-hour mark.
Bodoland’s disciplined defending kept the scoreline in check until halftime, but the momentum swung heavily in favour of NorthEast after the restart. Midfielder Andy Rodriguez doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, before Ajaraie struck again around the hour mark to put the result beyond doubt. In stoppage time, Jairo Samperio laid off a neat assist for Parthib Gogoi, who slotted home the fourth to cap off a dominant performance.
Shillong Lajong stages comeback against Indian Navy
Earlier in the day, Shillong Lajong earned its second successive semifinal berth by edging past the Indian Navy 2-1 in Shillong. The visiting side went ahead through Vijay Marandi in the first half, but the hosts mounted a strong comeback. Damaitphang Lyngdoh equalised soon after the break, and Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah completed the turnaround with a decisive strike.
High-stakes Northeast derby awaits
The semifinal fixture will be a repeat of last year’s clash between Shillong Lajong and NorthEast United, setting the stage for another high-voltage Northeast derby in the country’s oldest football tournament.
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