Guwahati, August 11, 2026: NorthEast United FC booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup after registering a convincing 3-1 victory over FC1 in their final Group F match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Parthib Gogoi scored twice for the Highlanders, finding the net in the 11th and 54th minutes, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie added the third in the 68th minute. Mohmad Ilyas scored FC1’s lone goal in the 71st minute.
With the victory, NorthEast United completed the group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three matches and finished top of Group F. FC1, meanwhile, ended their debut Durand Cup campaign with three points from three matches.
FC1 had an early opportunity to take the lead after being awarded a penalty inside the opening seven minutes following a handball by Robin Yadav. However, NorthEast United debutant goalkeeper K. Mohanraj produced a low diving save to deny Mousa Ahmed Quersehi.
NorthEast United responded quickly, taking the lead through Parthib Gogoi after Jithin M.S. delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Gogoi arrived unmarked at the back post and calmly converted.
Nine minutes after the restart, Gogoi struck again after controlling the ball in a crowded penalty area before finishing beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
The Highlanders continued to pile on the pressure and added a third when Gogoi played a precise through ball to Ajaraie, who chipped the advancing goalkeeper. The goal was Ajaraie’s sixth of the tournament.
FC1 pulled one back three minutes later through Mohmad Ilyas, who latched onto a through ball from Mousa Ahmed Quersehi and finished through the goalkeeper’s legs. However, NorthEast United remained in control and saw out the match comfortably to seal their quarterfinal berth and extend their winning run in the tournament.
