NorthEast United FC produced a commanding performance to defeat FC1 3-1 in their final Group F fixture, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with an unblemished record on Tuesday.
A double from Parthib Gogoi along with a late effort from substitute Alaaeddine Ajaraie ensured a third consecutive group victory for the Highlanders, allowing them to comfortably finish as Group F leaders. On the other hand, debutants FC1 concluded their first-ever Durand Cup campaign with three points from their three matches.
FC1 had a golden opportunity to take an early lead in the seventh minute when NorthEast defender Robin Yadav handled the ball inside the box following a corner kick. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi stepped up to take the penalty, but debutant goalkeeper K Mohanraj dived to his left to preserve the deadlock.
The Highlanders capitalised on that reprieve just two minutes later. Antonio Moyano spotted Jithin M S making an incisive run through the defence before delivering a precise low cross across the box. Parthib Sunder Gogoi arrived unmarked at the far post and calmly directed the ball into the net to put NorthEast United ahead.
Despite falling behind, the Jammu & Kashmir outfit controlled possession during the first 25 minutes as NorthEast sat back. FC1 won four corner kicks in that spell, but lacked the killer instinct in the final third to trouble Mohanraj.
Parthib and Ajaraie extend advantage before FC1 pulled one back
Nine minutes after the restart, the home team doubled their advantage through Parthib Gogoi’s second goal of the afternoon. Moyano swung in a dangerous free-kick that Eneko Satrustegui headed down into the crowded penalty area, where Gogoi reacted fastest to control and finish with composure.
The mounting pressure paid off as NorthEast United bagged their third goal. Gogoi slipped a sharp through ball to Ajaraie, who coolly lofted the ball over the advancing Ashraf.
FC1 managed to claw a goal back unexpectedly in the 71st minute after catching the NorthEast defence off guard. Mousa Ahmed Quersehi picked out Mohmad Ilyas with a well-weighted pass. Anticipating an offside flag that never came, the Highlanders’ backline hesitated, allowing Ilyas to slip the ball past the goalkeeper’s legs for a consolation strike.
