NorthEast United FC ended the enormous killing run of Diamond Harbour FC with a crushing 6-1 win within the ultimate to retain the Durand Cup title in fashion, on the Salt Lake Stadium right here on Saturday.
Leading 2-0 within the first half, NEUFC scored 4 extra after the break to convey the high-flying DHFC crashing down to earth. For NEUFC Asheer Akhtar started the scoring on the half-hour mark earlier than Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead in added time of the primary half. Thoi Singh, substitute Jairo Samperio, Andres Rodriguez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who scored a penalty, accomplished the Highlanders’ tally within the second half to make it the most important win by any group within the ultimate within the post-Independence interval of the 137-year-old event.
The solely purpose for DHFC got here from Luka Majcen halfway within the second half.
Making it to the ultimate after upsetting two ISL sides — Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal — within the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively, DHFC failed to produce its good type in opposition to NEUFC, which took management of the match proper from the beginning. While exhibiting good self-discipline in defence, the Highlanders dominated the midfield and confirmed exceptional sharpness in assault to make it a nice all-round efficiency and took the sport away from its opponent.
Having overwhelmed Mohun Bagan Super Giant through penalties within the earlier 12 months, NEUFC bettered its efficiency this time to turn out to be the second group after East Bengal, which received the crown thrice between 1989 and 1991, to retain the title.
The outcome: Final: NorthEast United FC 6 (Asheer Akhtar 30, Parthib Gogoi 45+1, Thoi Singh 50, Jairo Samperio 81, Andres Rodriguez 86, Alaaeddine Ajaraie 90+3-pen) bt Diamond Harbour FC 1 (Luka Majcen 68).
Individual awards: Golden ball (participant of the event): Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC), Golden boot (highest scorer): Alaaeddine Ajaraie (8 objectives), Golden glove (finest goalkeeper): Gurmeet Singh (NorthEast United).
