Kokrajhar, Aug 16 (NationPress) The defending champions NorthEast United FC showcased an impressive performance, defeating Bodoland FC with a score of 4–0 at the bustling SAI Stadium, advancing into 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 up an exciting semi-final against Shillong Lajong FC.

Coach Vikash Panthi deployed a solid 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Diamary in goal and Robinson spearheading the attack, supported by Pranjal and Gwgwmsar Gayary. On the other hand, NEUFC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali, returning to his strongest lineup after resting players in the group stage, utilized a familiar 4-3-3 setup with Miguel Zabaco leading the defense, Gurmeet Singh guarding the net, and a formidable attack comprising Ajaraie, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala.

The match began with both teams exchanging chances in an exhilarating back-and-forth battle. Robinson, Pranjal, and Urjoy Brahma put pressure on Gurmeet, while Ajaraie, Lalrinzuala, and Andy tested Diamary. In the 17th minute, Andy’s curling free kick almost found the net but was deflected away by Diamary.

The first breakthrough came in the 29th minute when a defensive error from Bodoland allowed Jithin M.S. to pass to Ajaraie, who calmly slotted the ball past Diamary, silencing the home crowd and giving the champions a 1-0 lead. Substitute Arjun Mardi had a chance to equalize shortly after, but his shot went wide, while Junior Onguene was thwarted by Gurmeet after a clever assist from Robinson.

Just before halftime, Ajaraie had a chance to extend the lead but was denied by Diamary, leaving the score at 1-0.

Bodoland came out with determination in the second half, but their inability to convert chances was punished in the 53rd minute. A swift move initiated by Zabaco found Buanthanglun Samte on the left, whose cross was finished by Andy Gaitan, doubling NEUFC’s lead with a low strike that crept past Diamary.

Eight minutes later, Ajaraie struck again, finding the net after a cross from Thoi Singh, making the score 3-0.

Bodoland, inspired by their passionate supporters, fought hard to reduce the gap but were consistently denied by Zabaco and Gurmeet. In the 74th minute, Redeem Tlang almost scored but was stopped by a spectacular save from Diamary.

The final goal came in stoppage time when substitute Jairo delivered a precise pass to Parthib Gogoi, who finished coolly into the far corner, sealing the 4-0 victory.

With this result, Bodoland's remarkable journey in the Durand Cup ends in the quarterfinals, while NorthEast United continues their pursuit of the title. They will face Shillong Lajong FC in a repeat of last year’s semi-final at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, on August 19.