Assam: NorthEast United FC beat BSF 4-0 in Durand Cup

Guwahati: The NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) on Friday (August 9) night produced a dominant performance to defeat the Border Security Force (BSF) 4-0 in their ‘Indian Oil Durand Cup’ Group-E match played at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Stadium in Assam’s Kokrajhar district. 

A brace from Guillermo and goals from Jithin MS and Alaeddine Ajaraie sealed a comprehensive victory for the Highlanders.

The result keeps the NEUFC at the top of the group with six points from two matches. Having defeated Bodoland FC 2-0 in their opener, the Highlanders showcased their attacking prowess once again.

Juan Pedro Benali’s side began the match aggressively, with Hamza Regragui coming close to breaking the deadlock early on. However, it was Guillermo, who opened the scoring in the 8th minute. 

A well-worked move down the left flank saw Jithin through on goal, who pulled it back for Guillermo to tap in. In the 13th minute, the BSF created a one-on-one opportunity against Dipesh Chauhan but the goalkeeper was quick off his line to thwart the effort from Lakhwinder. 

Jithin and Parthib continued to trouble the BSF back-line by interchanging their positions on the wings and making sharp inside runs. The second goal came when Guillermo cut a ball back from the byline. Parthib narrowly missed the ball but on-rushing Jithin fired a powerful shot in the top corner. 

This was Jithin’s second goal of the Durand Cup after he found the net in the Highlanders’ opening game. Guillermo had another goal disallowed before halftime, but the Highlanders maintained their two-goal advantage at the break.

At the start of the second half, NEUFC’s head coach made a double substitution with the club’s latest signing Alaeddine Ajaraie coming on for Albiach and Phalguni Singh replacing Bekey Oram. The Moroccan Ajaraie almost scored with his first touch for his new club but was fractionally off-side.

However, it did not take long for the NEUFC to find the back of the net. Phalguni Singh found Parthib with a precise pass. The forward then controlled the ball mid-air and put in an inch-perfect cross for Guillermo to head home.

From that point on, NEUFC controlled the game beautifully with two-thirds of the ball. Captain Mohammed Ali Bemammer was at the heart of the action with 121 touches, the most by any player.

Just when it looked like the game would finish 3-0, NEUFC were awarded a penalty. Ajaraie, who had looked for a goal on his debut, converted from the spot with a calm finish to bring curtains on the game and score 4-0.

The NorthEast United FC next face Odisha FC in their last league match on August 16.