Kokrajhar, Aug 16 (NationPress) The reigning champions NorthEast United FC showcased a dominant display, defeating Bodoland FC with a score of 4–0 at the bustling SAI Stadium, securing their place in the semi-finals of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup. The Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted two goals, while Andy Garcia from Spain and substitute Parthib Gogoi also contributed to the tally, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final showdown against Shillong Lajong FC.

Coach Vikash Panthi opted for a stable 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Diamary in goal and Robinson leading the attack, with support from Pranjal and Gwgwmsar Gayary on the wings. NEUFC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali, returning to his strongest lineup after rotating players during the group stage, deployed a familiar 4-3-3 formation with Miguel Zabaco commanding the defense, Gurmeet Singh guarding the goal, and a lethal front trio of Ajaraie, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala.

The match began with both teams trading attacks in a thrilling encounter. Robinson, Pranjal, and Urjoy Brahma tested Gurmeet at one end, while Ajaraie, Lalrinzuala, and Andy forced Diamary into key saves at the other end. In the 17th minute, Andy's curling free kick nearly found the net, but Diamary managed to deflect it away at the near post.

The first goal came in the 29th minute when a defensive error from Bodoland allowed Jithin M.S. to sprint down the right and set up Ajaraie, who calmly slotted the ball past Diamary, stunning the home crowd and giving the champions the lead. Substitute Arjun Mardi had Bodoland's best opportunity to equalize soon after, but his shot went wide, while Junior Onguene was denied by Gurmeet following a clever pass from Robinson.

As the first half neared its end, Ajaraie almost doubled the lead in a one-on-one against Diamary, but the Bodoland goalkeeper held firm, resulting in a 1-0 scoreline at halftime.

Bodoland returned from the break with determination, but their inability to convert chances cost them dearly. In the 53rd minute, a well-coordinated move led by Zabaco set up Buanthanglun Samte on the left, whose cross found Andy Gaitan, whose low shot squeezed past Diamary, marking Andy's first goal for his new team.

Just eight minutes later, Ajaraie struck again, receiving a cross from Thoi Singh and skillfully maneuvering around the goalkeeper before netting his second, effectively sealing the match at 3-0.

Bodoland's fans rallied their team, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Zabaco's disciplined defense and Gurmeet's reliable goalkeeping. In the 74th minute, Redeem Tlang forced Diamary into an impressive save from distance.

The final goal came deep into stoppage time when substitute Jairo delivered an exquisite through ball to Parthib Gogoi, who maintained his poise to slot the ball into the far corner, finalizing the 4-0 victory.

As the final whistle blew, Bodoland's remarkable run in the Durand Cup concluded in the quarterfinals, while defending champions NorthEast United moved closer to defending their title. The Highlanders are set to meet Shillong Lajong FC again in a repeat of last year's semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, on August 19.