NorthEast United FC advanced to the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup after a 3-1 victory against FC1 in their final Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Parthib Gogoi scored twice, once in each half, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie added the third goal for the Highlanders.
Mohmad Ilyas scored the consolation goal for FC1, according to a press release.
NorthEast United finished the group stage undefeated with three wins from three matches to top Group F. FC1 concluded their debut Durand Cup campaign with three points from three matches.
NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali made ten changes to his starting line-up, retaining only Spanish midfielder Antonio Moyano from the previous match. Spanish players Etyan Gonzalez Morales and Eneko Satrustegui Plano made their first starts for the club. FC1 head coach Khalid Qayoom made two changes, bringing in midfielder Mousa Ahmed Quersehi and Ivorian defender Tetty Armando Yoko, both returning from suspension, replacing Kamran Hameed and Aafreen Bashir.
Within seven minutes, FC1 were awarded a penalty after NorthEast United defender Robin Yadav handled the ball from a corner kick. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi took the penalty but was denied by NorthEast debutant goalkeeper K. Mohanraj, who made a diving save to his left.
NorthEast United responded swiftly, taking the lead two minutes later through a well-coordinated move. Antonio Moyano set up Jithin M.S., who delivered a low cross for Parthib Sunder Gogoi to score unmarked at the back post.
FC1 dominated possession in the opening 25 minutes but could not capitalise, as NorthEast United maintained a compact shape and disciplined mid-block. FC1 earned four corners but lacked quality in their final third to challenge Mohanraj’s goal.
After halftime, NorthEast United extended their lead in the 54th minute with Parthib Gogoi’s second goal. A free-kick from Moyano found Eneko Satrustegui, whose header set up Gogoi for a composed finish through a crowded area. Substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia then threatened with several attacking moves but was denied by FC1 goalkeeper Aftab Ashraf.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored NorthEast United’s third goal after receiving a precise through ball from Gogoi, calmly chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. This was Ajaraie’s sixth goal of the tournament.
FC1 pulled a goal back in the 71st minute following a lapse in NorthEast United’s defence. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi’s through ball allowed Mohmad Ilyas to score by slotting the ball past goalkeeper Mohanraj.
Despite FC1’s efforts, NorthEast United controlled the remainder of the match. New substitutes maintained possession and created further chances, though Lalrinzuala and Ajaraie were unable to convert. The Highlanders secured the win, confirming their quarter-final berth and extending their winning streak in the tournament.