Durand Cup 2025: NorthEast United FC begin title defence against Malaysia’s Armed Forces

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC will begin their Durand Cup 2025 campaign with a Group E clash against the Malaysian side Armed Forces FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Saturday. The match may not carry big-name weight or established rivalry, but for the Highlanders, it marks the start of their title defence.

In 2024, the Highlanders pulled off one of the most memorable Durand Cup runs in recent history. It was a campaign that didn’t just bring them their first-ever major trophy but also helped reshape the club’s identity after years of being seen as underachievers in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Scripting history

Last season, NorthEast United FC were clinical from the start. They kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Bodoland, followed by back-to-back convincing victories, which came in a 4-0 win over BSF FT and 5-1 against Odisha FC. They finished top of their group with a perfect record. More than just scoring goals, it was their discipline at the back that stood out. Across the group stage and knockout rounds, they recorded four clean sheets, including in the quarter-final and semi-final wins over Indian Army (2-0) and Shillong Lajong FC (3-0).

Despite their dominance, many still doubted their chances ahead of the final, especially when their opponents were Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending champions, playing in front of a home crowd.

Those doubts only grew louder when MBSG raced to a 2-0 lead. But what followed was a display of grit and belief. NorthEast United FC pulled one back through Alaaeddine Ajaraie, before Guillermo Fernandez struck the equaliser, sending the game into a tense penalty shootout.

With the pressure at its peak, goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh stepped up, saving two crucial spot-kicks while his teammates made no mistake from the spot, converting all four of their penalties to seal a historic win for the club. That victory didn’t just bring silverware; it brought hope and set a new benchmark for the team.

A new challenge

Now, as NEUFC return to the Durand Cup, the challenge is a different one: to defend their title.

Their first opponents, the Malaysian Armed Forces, may be unfamiliar to Indian fans, but international sides in the Durand Cup have often proven to be unpredictable. This match offers NorthEast United FC a chance to test their current squad’s chemistry and rhythm early in the tournament.

The Highlanders then have another two tricky fixtures to navigate after their opening clash, with games against Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC, two sides from Shillong.

From a broader perspective, NEUFC will be keen on setting the tone. With other teams now viewing them as the ones to beat, NorthEast United FC must learn to carry the pressure of champions. In past seasons, they’ve often struggled with consistency across competitions, but their Durand Cup success showed that when things click, they can be a formidable unit. As for the Armed Forces, it’s an opportunity to make a mark on Indian soil.

In many ways, this opening game might fly under the radar, but for NorthEast United FC, it’s the start of something important. A chance to prove that their 2024 success wasn’t a one-off and that they are ready to embrace their new status as title contenders.