At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, NorthEast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in the Durand Cup match thanks to two goals from Alaaeddine Ajaraie.
An instant reply from The Highlanders as Ajaraie scored his brace and puts NorthEast United FC back in the lead.
To make it 1-1, Figo heads a pinpoint cross from Tariang past the custodian of NorthEast United FC.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was given a yellow card by the referee.
The half-time whistle is blown with NorthEast United FC leading by a score of 1-0. Shillong Lajong FC need a strong comeback to keep their hopes alive in the match.
From where he left off in the previous game, Alaaeddine Ajaraie has continued his goal-scoring barrage. Ajaraie gets a goal past the Lajong goalie after Chema feeds him with a lovely through pass. The attacker makes no mistakes.
The match gets underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Here's the playing XI of both the teams.
The match will kick off at 7:00 PM IST and shall be live streamed on Sony LIV App in India. The telecast of the same will be in Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD TV channels.
Group E's teams In NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC will also be in action on August 8, Friday in what will be the second match of the day. Much like Group C encounter between Jamsehdpur FC vs 1 Ladakh FC, the clash between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC will also have implications on the quarter-final qualifications.
NorthEast United FC, also known as The Highlanders, started their title defence with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Malaysia's Armed Forces side as Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred with a hat-trick. Although head coach Juan Pedro Benali has handed over debuts to several new players, they have looked sharp and confident, making themselves genuine contenders to lift the title.
On the other hand, Shillong Lajong FC have looked equally ruthless as they beat the Malaysian side 6-0, followed by a 3-1 victory over Rangdajied United. Hence, they head into the contest with some momentum. With NorthEast FC United defeating Shillong Lajong FC by a comprehensive margin of 3-0 in the Durand Cup encounter a year ago, the latter will be eager to turn the tables.
