Ajaraie Hat-Trick Powers NorthEast United FC to Winning Start in Durand Cup Title Defence

NorthEast United FC – 3 (S. Ajaraire 23’, 29’, 70’)                  Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) FT – 1 ( Muhamad Amir Faisal 88’ )

Shillong, August 2^nd: Defending champions NorthEast United FC began their 134th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a convincing 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces FT (ATM FA) in their Group E opener, here 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.

All matches of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 channels) and streamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform.

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 while. 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.