Alaeddine Ajaraie hits a hat-trick as NorthEast United FC defeats Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in an action-packed Durand Cup 2026 clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
NorthEast United FC storm past Shillong Lajong FC in high-scoring Durand Cup thriller
NorthEast United FC produced a ruthless attacking display to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a pulsating Durand Cup 2026 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Led by a sensational hat-trick from Alaeddine Ajaraie, the Highlanders overcame a spirited first-half challenge from their regional rivals to secure a commanding victory and delight their travelling supporters.
Electric first half in Shillong
The local derby started at a blistering pace with NorthEast United striking early. In the 11th minute, Alaeddine Ajaraie found space inside the penalty box and finished with precision to silence the passionate home crowd.
However, Shillong Lajong responded with immense character and tactical aggression. Pressing high up the pitch, Lajong restored parity in the 20th minute when Syndai pounced on a loose defensive ball and slotted it calmly past the goalkeeper.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the hosts took control of the midfield tempo. Their relentless pressure paid off again in the 34th minute. Paula Morais showcased brilliant individual skill inside the 18-yard box, unleashing a powerful strike to hand Shillong Lajong a well-deserved 2-1 lead heading into the halftime break. See also:Â FC Goa Clinches Vital 2-0 Win Over NorthEast United
Highlanders mount decisive second-half comeback
NorthEast United emerged from the tunnel with renewed tactical discipline and attacking intent. The parity was restored in the 55th minute when Morales capitalised on a clever set-piece delivery, beating the Lajong custodian from close range.
Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck his second goal of the evening in the 58th minute. The Moroccan forward unleashed a clinical finish after a swift counter-attacking move, shifting the momentum firmly back in favour of the Highlanders.
Ajaraie seals hat-trick to seal victory
Shillong Lajong pushed men forward in search of another equaliser, but their exposed backline proved vulnerable to rapid transitions. In the 69th minute, Ajaraie completed his stunning hat-trick with a composed strike, punishing a defensive error to extend NorthEast United’s lead to 4-2.
The Highlanders put the final stamp on an emphatic performance in the 79th minute. Winger Jithin MS darted behind the Lajong defence, collecting a fine through ball before rounding the goalkeeper and rolling the ball into an empty net. Despite late efforts from the hosts, NorthEast United managed the closing stages comfortably to seal an entertaining 5-2 victory in this fierce regional showdown.