Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC stormed into the semifinals of the Durand Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bodoland FC at the Sports Authority of India Stadium in Kokrajhar on Saturday.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred with a brace (29’, 61’), while Andy Rodriguez (53’) and Parthib Gogoi (90+1’) also found the net to complete a convincing win for the defending champions. The Highlanders will now face Shillong Lajong FC, who beat Indian Navy FT 2-1 in Shillong earlier, for a place in the final.

Head coach Juan Pedro Benali rang in wholesale changes from the previous outing against Rangdajied United FC, retaining only Chema Nunez in the starting XI. His side hit the ground running, showing intent from the outset by making probing runs in behind the Bodoland FC backline. The Bodoland FC goalkeeper was kept busy early on, pulling off a couple of decent saves to keep the scores level.

But NorthEast United FC’s pressure eventually told around the half-hour mark. Jithin MS intercepted a misplaced pass and slipped the ball to Ajaraie, who calmly rolled it into the far corner to open the scoring. Moments later, Jithin turned provider again, this time for Buangthalung Samte, but the full-back’s effort struck the wrong side of the post from close range.

The Highlanders returned after the break with the same attacking intent. Their second goal arrived in the 55th minute when Michel Zabaco released Samte down the left flank. His cut-back found Rodriguez, who drilled home with a composed finish. Just six minutes later, Ajaraie doubled his tally with a brilliant individual effort. Receiving a pass from Thoi Singh after a swift counterattack, the Moroccan cut inside and beat both the keeper and an onrushing defender to make it 3-0.

Parthib Gogoi had a chance to extend the lead further when Jairo Samperio played him through with some neat combination play, but he blazed over. The young forward, however, redeemed himself in stoppage time. Once again assisted by Samperio, Gogoi made no mistake from close range to seal a 4-0 win and round off a dominant display.

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Parthib GogoiAlaaeddine AjaraieNorthEast United FC