NorthEast United FC Storm Past Karbi Anglong to Extend Unbeaten Durand Cup Run

by Chandler D'silva August 11, 2026

Defending champions NorthEast United FC continued their impressive 2026 Durand Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a Group F encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday. Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred with a brace, while substitutes Macarton Louis Nickson and debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales added late goals to seal another convincing win for the Highlanders.

The result extended NorthEast United’s unbeaten run in the Durand Cup to 14 matches, with the defending champions yet to taste defeat in the competition since 2023. The Highlanders once again underlined their credentials as they continue their push towards the knockout stages.

NorthEast United started with an attacking approach and immediately put Karbi Anglong under pressure. Their dominance was rewarded in the seventh minute when they were awarded a penalty after Junior Onguene Nkengue brought down Ajaraie inside the box. The Moroccan forward stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh the wrong way to give his side an early lead.

Karbi Anglong, however, showed tremendous resilience and found an unexpected equaliser in the 28th minute. A misplaced pass from Soraisham Dinesh Singh handed possession to Nkengue, who made amends for his earlier error by keeping his composure and finishing from close range to make it 1-1.

The Highlanders continued to create opportunities before the break, with Ajaraie forcing an excellent save from a free-kick, but Karbi Anglong’s organised defensive approach ensured the teams went into halftime level.

NorthEast United made their intentions clear immediately after the restart. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali introduced Parthib Sunder Gogoi and Macarton Louis Nickson, and the changes had an instant impact. Just three minutes into the second half, Gogoi picked out Ajaraie inside the box, allowing the forward to produce a precise left-footed finish and restore the Highlanders’ lead.

Ajaraie continued to threaten in search of a hat-trick, while Karbi Anglong attempted to respond through counter-attacks. The hosts came close on occasions, but NorthEast gradually began to regain control of the contest.

The defending champions eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd minute. Buanthanglun Samte delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Macarton rose highest and directed a powerful header beyond the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

There was still time for one more moment of celebration. Spanish debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales had already gone close to finding the net before finally getting his opportunity deep into stoppage time. Abdul Rabeeh produced a brilliant run down the left before delivering a low cross, and Etyan calmly finished from close range to score on his Indian football debut and complete the 4-1 victory.

The result strengthens NorthEast United’s position in Group F and keeps their impressive Durand Cup defence firmly on track. With Ajaraie continuing to lead the attack and Benali’s substitutes making a decisive impact, the Highlanders look increasingly well equipped to challenge for back-to-back Durand Cup titles.

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