NorthEast United FC trounces Diamond Harbour FC to retain title

NorthEast United FC ended the giant killing run of Diamond Harbour FC with a crushing 6-1 win in the final to retain the Durand Cup title in style, at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.

Leading 2-0 in the first half, NEUFC scored four more after the break to bring the high-flying DHFC crashing down to earth. For NEUFC Asheer Akhtar began the scoring at the half-hour mark before Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead in added time of the first half. Thoi Singh, substitute Jairo Samperio, Andres Rodriguez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who scored a penalty, completed the Highlanders’ tally in the second half to make it the biggest win by any team in the final in the post-Independence period of the 137-year-old tournament.

The only goal for DHFC came from Luka Majcen midway in the second half.

Making it to the final after upsetting two ISL sides — Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal — in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively, DHFC failed to produce its good form against NEUFC, which took control of the match right from the start. While showing good discipline in defence, the Highlanders dominated the midfield and showed remarkable sharpness in attack to make it a fine all-round performance and took the game away from its opponent.

Having beaten Mohun Bagan Super Giant via penalties in the previous year, NEUFC bettered its performance this time to become the second team after East Bengal, which won the crown thrice between 1989 and 1991, to retain the title.

The result: 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 (player of the tournament): Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC), Golden boot (highest scorer): Alaaeddine Ajaraie (8 goals), Golden glove (best goalkeeper): Gurmeet Singh (NorthEast United).