NorthEast United FC defeated FC1 3-1 in its final Group F fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Tuesday to secure a place in the quarterfinals with a perfect all-win record in the group stage.
The decisive details
In the day’s other match, Nongkseh Sports Social and Cultural Club stormed past Mumbay FC 7-0 in a Group E fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Parthib Gogoi scored once in each half, while Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie added another to complete NorthEast United’s tally. Mohamad Ilyas scored the consolation goal for FC1. The win helped the Highlanders finish on top of the group with nine points, while the Jammu and Kashmir representative, FC1, ended its debut campaign with three points from as many matches. The second spot in the group will be decided after Thursday’s final game between Bodoland FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. Hardycliff Nongbri and Dawancha Carlos Challam scored twice each, while Kitboklang Pale, Chesterpoul Lyngdoh and Sheen Stevenson struck once each. The Mumbai-based outfit completed its campaign without a point while Nongkseh moved into second place in the standings with four points from three matches.