Kokrajhar, Aug 16 (NationPress) The reigning champions, NorthEast United FC, showcased an impressive display to defeat Bodoland FC with a score of 4–0 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the SAI Stadium, advancing to the semi-finals of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted two goals, while Spaniard Andy Garcia and substitute Parthib Gogoi also contributed to the tally, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final matchup against Shillong Lajong FC.

Head coach Vikash Panthi deployed a well-organized 4-2-3-1 formation with Diamary in goal and Robinson leading the attack, supported by Pranjal and Gwgwmsar Gayary on the wings. In contrast, NEUFC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali reverted to his strongest lineup after resting players in the group stage finale, utilizing his usual 4-3-3 formation, with Miguel Zabaco anchoring the defense, Gurmeet Singh in goal, and a formidable front trio of Ajaraie, Jithin MS, and Lalrinzuala.

The match began with both teams launching attacks in a thrilling back-and-forth exchange. Robinson, Pranjal, and Urjoy Brahma tested Gurmeet on one end, while Ajaraie, Lalrinzuala, and Andy forced Diamary into some critical saves at the other. In the 17th minute, Andy’s curling free kick from the right almost found the net, but Diamary managed to punch it away at the near post.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when a defensive mistake by Bodoland allowed Jithin M.S. to race down the right flank and square the ball to Ajaraie, who calmly finished past Diamary, quieting the home crowd and putting the champions in front. Arjun Mardi had Bodoland’s best chance to equalize shortly after, but his shot went wide, while Junior Onguene was stopped by Gurmeet after a clever pass from Robinson.

The Highlanders nearly doubled their lead just before halftime when Ajaraie found himself one-on-one with Diamary, but the Bodoland goalkeeper raised his game to draw a foul, keeping the score at 1-0 by the end of the first half.

Bodoland returned with intensity after the break, but their inability to capitalize in the final third was punished in the 53rd minute. A well-executed move initiated by Zabaco led to Buanthanglun Samte on the left, whose cross was met by Andy Gaitan in the center. The Spaniard’s low shot slipped past Diamary, marking his first goal for the club and doubling NEUFC’s lead.

Just eight minutes later, Ajaraie found the net again. A cross from Thoi Singh found him unmarked, and he skillfully outmaneuvered the goalkeeper and defense before slotting the ball home, effectively sealing the match at 3-0.

Bodoland, buoyed by their passionate fans, made every effort to narrow the scoreline but were consistently thwarted by Zabaco’s organized defense and Gurmeet’s reliable goalkeeping. In the 74th minute, Redeem Tlang forced Diamary into another spectacular save from distance.

The final goal came in stoppage time when substitute Jairo delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Parthib Gogoi, who kept his cool to slot it into the far corner, rounding off the 4-0 victory.

With the final whistle, Bodoland’s inspiring journey in the Durand Cup concluded in the quarterfinals, while defending champions NorthEast United took a significant step towards defending their title. The Highlanders will face Shillong Lajong FC once again in a repeat of last year’s semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, on August 19.