Kolkata, 23rd Aug: NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) retained their Durand Cup crown with a dominant 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. With this triumph, NEUFC became the first side since East Bengal (1989-1991) to successfully defend the title, stamping their authority on Indian football’s oldest tournament.
The contest began with both teams battling for possession, but NEUFC gradually took control. Defender Asheer Akhtar broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse, before Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead just before halftime after a fine assist from Alaaeddine Ajaraie. The Highlanders went into the break with a commanding 2-0 cushion.
NEUFC shifted gears in the second half as Thoi Singh netted their third goal within minutes of the restart. Though DHFC pulled one back in the 68th minute through Luka Majcen’s header, their hopes were quickly extinguished. Jairo Samperio struck in the 81st minute, Andy added another in the 86th, and Ajaraie converted a stoppage-time penalty to complete the emphatic 6-1 rout.
The victory not only secured NEUFC their second consecutive Durand Cup title but also earned them a record prize purse of ₹1.21 crore, the highest in the tournament’s history. Their unbeaten run to the final underscored their growing dominance in Indian football and marked yet another glorious chapter for the Highlanders.
