Guwahati, August 8, 2026: Defending champions NorthEast United FC continued their impressive run in the Durand Cup with a 4-1 win over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, while Macarton Louis Nickson and debutant Etyan Gonzalez Morales added late goals for the Highlanders. Junior Onguene Nkengue scored Karbi Anglong’s only goal.
The win extended NorthEast United’s unbeaten run in the Durand Cup to 14 matches. The Highlanders have not lost in the competition since 2023. The result also strengthened their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
NorthEast started strongly and took the lead in the seventh minute. Ajaraie was brought down inside the box by Nkengue after a corner. The Moroccan forward converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-0.
Karbi Anglong stunned the defending champions in the 28th minute. A misplaced pass from Soraisham Dinesh Singh fell to Nkengue, who made amends for his earlier mistake by finishing from close range.
NorthEast regained the lead just three minutes after the break. Substitute Parthib Sunder Gogoi found Ajaraie inside the box, and the forward produced a precise left-footed finish. The goal was his fifth of the tournament.
Karbi Anglong tried to fight back but struggled to create clear chances. NorthEast continued to control the game and eventually found a third goal in the 83rd minute.
Buanthanglun Samte sent a fine cross into the box, and Macarton rose highest to head the ball past goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh.
Etyan then completed the scoring in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Abdul Rabeeh made a strong run down the left before delivering a low cross. Etyan tapped the ball into the net to score on his Indian football debut.
NorthEast United will now look to build on the victory as they continue their push for another deep run in the Durand Cup.
