Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup after securing victories in all three of their group-stage matches. With nine points and a remarkable goal difference of +10, the Highlanders topped Group E and will next take on Indian Army FT on Wednesday in the quarter-final clash.

One of the key signings in the last summer transfer window for NEUFC, defender Asheer Akhtar, joined Juan Pedro Benali’s side from Sreenidi Deccan FC. After defeating Odisha FC 5-1 in their final group game, the defender reflected on the team’s performance and consecutive qualification for the quarter-finals and said:

“This was an important game for us to win and book our spot in the quarter-finals. We have been putting our best effort in all of the games so far and being in the quarters, we have to put in more hard work.

“Having qualified for the quarter-finals for consecutive seasons, we have a good challenge ahead of us. Being a knock-out game the opposition and the competition will be tougher. We have to prepare more and correct our mistakes to be ready for the challenge in the quarter-final,” he further added. 

Having started his second season as a crucial member of the team under coach Benali, Akhtar then shared his experience under the Spaniard and said, “From the beginning of the last season, the coach has shown his trust in me and has handed me many matches. As an individual, it has boosted my confidence and as a team, he encourages the young players and motivates everyone to give their one hundred per cent in each training and match.”

The Durand Cup has become the official kick-starter of the Indian Football season and has helped the teams test themselves for the long football season.

Speaking on the historic tournament’s role in preparing themselves, the centre-back said, “Durand Cup being the kick-starter of the Indian Football season helps us to prepare well for the long season ahead. It also helps us to set up a camaraderie among the players on and off the field. As a team, playing these competitive matches in the Durand Cup makes you ready for the ISL.”

He then went on to speak about the fan’s unwavering support in Kokrajhar and said, “Wherever we have played, be it Guwahati or Kokrajhar, the fans have been there for us. They motivate us, keep cheering for us and help us when we are down and as players, it is really important for us to have the fans behind us. In Kokrajhar too, we have had continuous support from the fans and it is nice to see the fans across NorthEast support us.”

NorthEast United FC, who missed out on securing a spot in the final of last year’s Durand Cup will be hoping to better their performance this time around and will have Indian Army FT as their first challenge on their way to the coveted trophies.

“We are trying to focus one match at a time and not looking ahead of ourselves. We are taking each match as a final and eventually reach the final. Last season, we reached the semi-final and didn’t manage to go further. But this time, we are taking one match at a time to win and try for the trophy,” Akhtar commented.

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NorthEast United FC2023-2024 Asheer Akhtar