Latest news with #AlaaeddineAjaraie
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Ajaraie's brace sends NorthEast United into the quarterfinals
Alaaeddine Ajaraie's double strike ensured defending champions NorthEast United FC overcome Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a thrilling NorthEast derby of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup which was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong and secure their place in the quarterfinals with a match to spare, as they have a better head to head record against Shillong Lajong. Figo Syndai scored for Shillong Lajong. The Highlanders secured their second victory in Group E and have six points while Shillong Lajong have finished their group stage campaign also with six points from three matches. A point from the last match for NorthEast United will ensure that they qualify for the quarterfinals as clear group winners. Head coaches Juan Pedro Benali and Birendra Thapa fielded their strongest line ups for the all-important encounter making six and five changes respectively. The Spanish gaffer brought in goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, new signing Jose Manuel Nunez Martin, Asheer Akhtar, Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang and Buanthanglun Samte while the home side brought in Kitboklang Khyriem, Saveme Tariang, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Rudra Ved and Sheen Stevenson Sohktung. Star striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his terrific goal scoring form in India, giving the lead for the defending champions the lead in just the fifth minute of the game. The Moroccan found space to move between the central defenders as new signing, Jose Manuel Nunez Martin slipped in a perfect ball for the striker to calmly finish past the on rushing Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai for his fourth goal of the tournament. The match settled down after the frantic start as both teams then tried to dictate the pace of the game. NorthEast could have doubled the lead mid way into the half after Jithin M.S found Ajaraie inside the box with a low cross from the right wing. The striker was slow this time to reach the ball as he could not find a clean connection to divert the ball into the net. The game came back to life in the final ten minutes, with Shillong Lajong equalising in the 81st minute through substitute Figo Syndai. Left back Saveme Tariang found Figo at the far post with a curling cross and the forward got ahead of Buanthanglun Samte and found the target with a bullet header as Gurmeet Singh was rooted to his spot.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
NorthEast United and JFC in quarterfinals
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored on either side of the halves to help NorthEast United FC prevail over local challenger Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a Group-E league encounter of the 134th Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday. The Moroccan striker, who scored a hat-trick in NorthEast's 3-1 win against Malaysian Armed Forces side in the previous match, continued his fine form by drawing first blood in the fifth minute. Playing its final group league match, Lajong fielded a young side with domestic recruits but fought back well to score the equaliser in the 81st minute through substitute Figo. Ajaraie found the winner within two minutes to have NorthEast tying Lajong on top of the table on six points. NorthEast, which still has a match to go, ensured the top spot on head-to-head record and ensured a quarterfinal berth in the process. Jamshedpur FC produced a confident display to down 1 Ladakh FC 2-0 in a Group-C match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. This was the third consecutive win for Jamshedpur, which topped the group with an all-win record to secure a quarterfinal berth. The results: Group-C (Jamshedpur): Jamshedpur FC 2 (Siju 28-og, Praful Kumar 46) bt 1 Ladakh FC 0 Group-E (Shillong): NorthEast United FC 2 (Alaaeddine Ajaraie 5, 83) bt Shillong Lajong FC 1 (Figo 81).
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Ajaraies brace storms NorthEast United FC into the quarterfinals
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], August 8 (ANI): Alaaeddine Ajaraie's double strike ensured defending champions NorthEast United FC overcome Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a thrilling NorthEast derby of the 134th Durand Cup, which was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. They secured their place in the quarterfinals with a match to spare, as they have a better head-to-head record against Shillong Lajong. Figo Syndai scored for Shillong Lajong, according to a release from Durand CupThe Highlanders secured their second victory in Group E and have six points, while Shillong Lajong have also finished their group stage campaign with six points from three matches. A point from the last match for NorthEast United will ensure that they qualify for the quarterfinals as clear group Coaches Juan Pedro Benali and Birendra Thapa fielded their strongest line-ups for the all-important encounter, making six and five changes respectively. The Spanish gaffer brought in goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, new signing Jose Manuel Nunez Martin, Asheer Akhtar, Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang and Buanthanglun Samte, while the home side brought in Kitboklang Khyriem, Saveme Tariang, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Rudra Ved and Sheen Stevenson striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his terrific goal-scoring form in India, giving the lead for the defending champions the lead in just the fifth minute of the Moroccan found space to move between the central defenders as the new signing, Jose Manuel Nunez Martin, slipped in a perfect ball for the striker to calmly finish past the on-rushing Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai for his fourth goal of the tournament. The match settled down after the frantic start as both teams then tried to dictate the pace of the game. NorthEast could have doubled the lead mid-way into the half after Jithin M.S. found Ajaraie inside the box with a low cross from the right wing. The striker was slow this time to reach the ball as he could not find a clean connection to divert the ball into the home side did not sit back against the defending champions as they troubled the opposition defence with their quick counterattacks, using the speed of Sheen Stevenson and Phrangki Buam on either wing and Everbrightson Sana down the centre. Gurmeet Singh showed his class, making three saves, denying Shillong Lajong the equaliser. He palmed away a strong strike at the near post from Phrangki Buam before denying the winger and Sheen Stevenson by getting low to deny their shots on second half saw a drop in intensity of the attacks from both sides as both defences stood firm and did not allow any clear-cut chances to be created. The game became physical as both sides cancelled each other out in the midfield, closing down the spaces. The conditions also did not help both sides, as players were cramping at regular game came back to life in the final ten minutes, with Shillong Lajong equalising in the 81st minute through substitute Figo Syndai. Left back Saveme Tariang found Figo at the far post with a curling cross, and the forward got ahead of Buanthanglun Samte and found the target with a bullet header as Gurmeet Singh was rooted to his home side's joy was cut short as they conceded right after the restart, and it was Ajaraie again who found the target. The forward received a simple ball on the edge of the box and, with a sharp turn, got free from Kenstar Kharshong and found the top corner with a neat finish to take his goal tally to five for the tournament. That strike was enough for NorthEast to ensure that they secured all three points and became the second team to qualify for the quarterfinals. (ANI)
News18
03-08-2025
- Sport
- News18
John Abraham: 'Want To Make Shillong's NEUFC Centre Of Excellence, India's Best'
Last Updated: NorthEast United Owner John Abraham praised Meghalaya government's support. NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) began their Durand Cup 2025 campaign on a winning note, defeating the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM FA) team in their opening Group E match at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. Alaaeddine Ajaraie picked up right where he left off last season, striking twice in the first half and adding another after the break to complete his hat-trick. As the second home ground of NorthEast United FC, Shillong welcomed the team with unmatched enthusiasm and pride. Notably, NEUFC has played several matches across different tournaments like the Durand and ISL, here at the JN Stadium, underscoring the city's strong football culture and unwavering support for the club. What Did John Abraham Say? The stadium erupted in cheer as Bollywood Superstar and NEUFC owner John Abraham arrived to support the team. Speaking about his excitement on being in Shillong, he said, 'Very excited to be the back with the Durand Cup here. We are the defending champions i.e. the NEUFC. We hope to put on a good performance this year." Praising the support of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, he added, 'Missing my Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. But this is to all the people of Meghalaya, and to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Vijay Kumar and everybody involved- A big thank you for all the support you have given us. A big thank you for the academy land that you have given us, where we want to build the NEUFC Centre of excellence. We want to make this academy the best sports academy in the country." The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces, has been instrumental in bringing the Durand Cup, consecutively for the second time, to the state. With continued investment in infrastructure, grassroots programmes, and hosting of marquee tournaments, Meghalaya is fast emerging as India's football capital. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
02-08-2025
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup 2025: NorthEast United Begin Title Defence With Ajaraie Hat-Trick
Last Updated: NorthEast United FC started their 134th Durand Cup with a 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick. Defending champions NorthEast United FC began their 134th Durand Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a convincing 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces FT (ATM FA) in their Group E opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the top scorer from last season's ISL, starred for the Highlanders with a stunning hat-trick (23', 29', 70') to kick off the title defence in style. Mohammad Amir's 88th-minute strike was a mere consolation for the visitors. How NorthEast United FC Beat Malaysian Armed Forces? NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali opted for his familiar 4-3-3 formation, with skipper Miguel Zabaco anchoring the defence and Dipesh Chauhan in goal. Up front, the trio of Ajaraie, Jithin M.S., and Parthib Gogoi spearheaded the attack. ATM FA, under coach Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd. Zanggi made five changes from their previous outing against Shillong Lajong FC, with Hairi, Nasir Yasa, and Ibrahim Muhamat forming the attacking line, and Mohamad Faizal Hussin starting in goal. The match began with both teams pressing hard and battling for possession in midfield. However, the breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when debutant Andres Rodriguez delivered a sublime through ball for Ajaraie, who coolly slotted it past the keeper with his left foot, sending it into the right corner. It was a composed finish from the Moroccan, who wasted no time in opening his account for the 2025-26 season. Just six minutes later, the Moroccan doubled the lead after a sublime team move. Initiated by Ajaraie himself, the forward played it wide to Jithin, who dazzled the defence with close control inside the box before unselfishly squaring it back. Ajaraie made no mistake from close range, smashing it into the roof of the net Lalbiakdika had an opportunity to make it 3-0 in the 39th minute but failed to keep his volley down. Moments later, Jithin floated in a cross for Ajaraie, but the Malaysian keeper was quick off his line to cut out the danger. The best chance for the visitors came just before halftime, when Ibrahim Muhamat's curling effort from the edge of the box was palmed away by Dipesh Chauhan. The second half began on an even footing, with both sides probing but unable to create any clear-cut chances early on. In the 59th minute, a shot from Muhammad Amir Faizal was blocked by Highlanders' defender Lalbiakdika, who had come on at halftime to replace Zabaco. A minute later, Nunez let fly a shot from outside the box, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by the Malaysian goalkeeper. The Malaysian Armed Forces began to show more attacking intent through Faizal and Muhammad Hamid, coming close on two occasions in the final ten minutes. However, they failed to capitalise, with poor finishing letting them down. Despite the Malaysian Armed Forces enjoying a momentary better spell, it was Ajaraie again who delivered the knockout blow. In the 70th minute, Bekey Oram delivered a lofted diagonal from the right half-space that found Ajaraie on the left. The Moroccan danced past defenders before curling a majestic left-footed shot into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick and seal the game. Spanish forward Jairo Samperio nearly added a fourth with a thunderous strike from distance that rattled the crossbar in the 81st minute and gasp from 7500 plus in attendance, including NorthEast United owner and bollywood star John Abraham. The Malaysian Armed Forces finally pulled one back in the 88th minute, with Muhammad Amir Faisal converting from close range, but it proved no more than a late consolation. With a confident 3-1-win, NorthEast United FC made a commanding statement to their Durand Cup title defence. The Malaysian Armed Forces FT, though outplayed in the first half, showed flashes of resilience and attacking promise in the second and will look to regroup ahead of their last fixture. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : durand cup northeast united northeast united fc view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
