Ajaraie hat-trick powers NEUFC to winning start in Durand Cup

Defending champions NorthEast United FC began their 134th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over Malaysian Armed Forces FT (ATM FA) in their Group E opener at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Saturday.
Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, last season’s ISL top scorer, starred for the Highlanders with a clinical hat-trick (23’, 29’, 70’), kicking off their title defence in style. Mohammad Amir’s 88th-minute strike served as a late consolation for the visitors.
NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali fielded a 4-3-3 formation with Miguel Zabaco leading the defence and Dipesh Chauhan in goal. The attacking trio comprised Ajaraie, Jithin M.S., and Parthib Gogoi. ATM FA, coached by Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd. Zanggi, made five changes from their last match, with Hairi, Nasir Yasa, and Ibrahim Muhamat in attack and Mohamad Faizal Hussin in goal.
The match started with both teams pressing hard in midfield. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when debutant Andres Rodriguez delivered a through ball to Ajaraie, who finished with his left foot into the right corner.
He doubled the lead in the 29th minute after a move involving Jithin, who squared it back for Ajaraie to smash into the net.
NEUFC had chances to extend their lead, with Lalbiakdika volleying over in the 39th minute and Ajaraie denied by the keeper moments later. ATM FA’s best chance came just before halftime, when Ibrahim Muhamat’s curling shot was saved by Chauhan.
The second half saw both teams creating half-chances. In the 70th minute, Ajaraie completed his hat-trick after receiving a diagonal pass from Bekey Oram, weaving past defenders and curling a left-footer into the bottom corner. Spanish forward Jairo Samperio nearly added a fourth in the 81st minute, his long-range strike rattling the crossbar to the roar of over 7,500 fans, including NEUFC owner and Bollywood actor John Abraham.
ATM FA pulled one back in the 88th minute through Muhammad Amir Faisal, but it proved only a consolation. With the 3-1 victory, NorthEast United FC made a strong start to their Durand Cup title defence, while ATM FA will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.