Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a sensational hat-trick as NorthEast United FC overturned a 1-2 half-time deficit to beat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 and reach the semifinals of the 135th Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday (August 17).
The Highlanders produced a dominant second-half display, scoring four goals after the break to complete a remarkable comeback in the high-stakes Northeastern derby.
With the result, the four semifinalists of the Durand Cup have been confirmed. NorthEast United will be joined in the last four by Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and East Bengal FC.
NorthEast United made a strong start in torrential rain and took the lead in the 11th minute. Ajaraie controlled a long ball from captain Redeem Tlang, went past a defender and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Shillong Lajong responded in the 20th minute when Figo Syndai found space in the final third and finished clinically to make it 1-1.
The hosts then completed the turnaround in the 34th minute. Jota led a quick counter-attack, raced clear of the NorthEast defence, rounded goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh and scored to put Shillong 2-1 ahead at half-time.
The Highlanders returned with renewed intensity after the break and levelled in the 55th minute through Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales.
Ajaraie struck again just three minutes later to put NorthEast United 3-2 ahead, completing the turnaround.
Shillong tried to fight back with a series of attacks and corners, but NorthEast United remained composed at the back. The visitors strengthened their advantage in the 69th minute when Ajaraie completed his hat-trick after being played through by Jithin M.S.
Jithin then capped his impressive performance with a goal in the 79th minute, making it 5-2 and effectively ending Shillong’s hopes of a comeback.
NorthEast United managed the closing stages comfortably to secure their place in the Durand Cup semi-finals.
The tournament now moves into its semifinal stage, with NorthEast United among the four teams remaining in contention for the prestigious title.