Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United bagged all three points against Border Security Force (BSF) FT in the 133^rd Indian Oil Durand Cup played at the SAI Stadium. A brace from Guillermo Fernandez, goals from Jithin M.S., and a penalty from Alaaeddine Ajaraie propelled the Highlanders to secure their second consecutive win in Group E.

Juan Pedro Benali’s men moved to the top spot in the group with six points, while BSF suffered their second loss of the tournament.

Full Time. NEUFC 4-0 BSF FT.
First goal and brace for Guillermo, a goal on debut for Alaeddine & Jithin's second goal of the tournament! ⚽😍⚽😍
An important victory!#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #IndianOilDurandCup #NEUFCvsBSF pic.twitter.com/BMBlq1CFJf

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 9, 2024

The Spaniard rotated his side, bringing Dipesh Chauhan in goal in place of Gurmeet Singh, and also gave starts to Robin Yadav and Bekey Oram. BSF head coach Gurjit Singh Mahato named a defense-heavy starting eleven against the ISL side.

The Highlanders took an early lead in the eighth minute, with Jithin M.S. setting up new signing Guillermo Fernandez. The winger set up the Spaniard, who had finished with ease, for the second goal for his new side. NorthEast United FC continued to apply pressure on the paramilitary side and soon doubled their lead.

Bemmamer found Guillermo inside the box with a chipped pass, and the striker’s low cross was finished for the first time by Jithin M.S., giving no chance to BSF FT keeper Sonu Lal. The Highlanders did not slow down the tempo of the game as they attempted to score more, but the BSF defense stood their ground to keep the score 2-0 at the break.

NorthEast United FC scored the third goal within two minutes of the restart as Bemmamer once again found an attacker inside the box with his chipped ball. Parthib Gogoi found Guillermo, who completed his brace with a diving header. The Highlanders continued their dominance on all fronts of the game, and the BSF men could not pose any kind of threat to the side from Guwahati. On the rare occasions in which BSF entered the opposition area, NorthEast United FC defended it with ease.

NorthEast United FC were awarded a penalty in the last seconds of the game when Bemmamer was fouled inside the box by Jitender Rawat. Substitute Alaaeddine Ajaraie converted the penalty with ease, which was the last kick of the game.