NorthEast United Move to Top of the Table with an Easy Win Over BSF FT
NorthEast United FC – 4 (Guillermo 8’48’, Jithin 20′, Ajaraie (P) 90’+7) BSF FT – 0
Kokrajhar, August 09, 2024:
A brace from Guillermo Fernandez goals from Jithin M.S and a penalty from Alaaeddine Ajaraie ensured NorthEast United take all three points against Border Security Force (BSF) FT for their second consecutive win in a Group E encounter of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup played here at the SAI Stadium. The Highlanders moved to the top spot in the group with six points while BSF suffered their second loss of the tournament.
All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform
Juan Pedro Benali rotated his side bringing Dipesh Chauhan in goal in place of Gurmeet Singh and also gave starts to Robin Yadav and Bekey Oram. BSF Head Coach Gurjit Singh Mahato named a defence-heavy starting eleven against the ISL side.
The Highlanders took an early lead in the eighth minute with Jithin M.S. setting up new signing Guillermo Fernandez. The winger set up the Spaniard who had finished with ease for the second goal for his new side. NorthEast continued to apply pressure on the para-military side and soon doubled their lead. Bemmamer found Guillermo inside the box with a chipped pass and the striker’s low cross was finished first time by Jithin M.S., giving no chance to the BSF keeper Sonu Lal. The Highlanders did not slow down the tempo of the game as they attempted to score more, but the BSF defence stood their ground to keep the score 2-0 at the break.
NorthEast scored the third goal within two minutes of the restart as Bemmamer once again found an attacker inside the box with his chipped ball. Parthib Gogoi found Guillermo who completed his brace with a diving header. The Highlanders continued their domination in all fronts of the game and the BSF men could not pose any kind of threat to the side from Guwahati. On the rare occasions in which BSF entered the opposition area, NorthEast defended it with ease.
NorthEast was awarded a penalty in the last seconds of the game when Bemmamer was fouled inside the box by Jitender Rawat. Substitute Alaaeddine Ajaraie converted the penalty with ease which was the last kick of the game.
