The brace of Alaeddine Ajajaie ensured that title defender Northeast United FC (NeUFC) Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 conquered in an exciting northeastern derby in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday to secure a place in the Durand Cup Quarterals.
The Highlanders took care of their second victory in group E and have six points, while Shillong Lajong has terminated his group stage campaign, also with six points from three games. A point of the last match for Northeast United will ensure that it is eligible for the quarterfinals as the winner of the group.
Star Striker Alaeddine Ajaraie continued his great target scoring form in India and gave the title defender the lead in just the fifth minute of the game. The Moroccan found room to move between the central defenders as a new signature, Jose Manuel Nunez Martin slid in a perfect ball for the rush to end up along the raging Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.
Shillong Lajong immediately made in the 81st minute through replacement Figo Syndai. Left Rear Saveme Tarang found Figo on the distant pole with a curly cross and the attacker walked ahead of Buanthanganglun Samte and thought the target with a ball head when Gurmeet Singh was rooted in place.
The joy of the home team was demolished because it admitted immediately after the restart and it was Ajaraie who found the target again. The attacker received a simple ball on the edge of the box and with a sharp bend, was free from Kensar Karshong and found the top corner with a neat finish to bring his goal to five before the tournament.
That strike was sufficient for NeUUCC to ensure that it protects all three points and becomes the second team to qualify for the quarterfinals.
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