NorthEast United FC Secures Victory over Malaysian Armed Forces with Alaaeddine Ajaraie's Impressive Hat-Trick in the Durand Cup 2025, Resulting in a 3-1 Score
NorthEast United FC Secures 3-1 Victory Over Malaysian Armed Forces in Durand Cup 2025
In a thrilling encounter, NorthEast United FC began their Durand Cup 2025 campaign with a 3-1 victory over the Malaysian Armed Forces in Group E. The match, scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, was a highly anticipated clash between two formidable teams.
The first 15 minutes of the game were exciting but scoreless, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. However, NorthEast United, the reigning champions, started to dominate the opening half. Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the team's star player, broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, scoring his first goal of the game.
Ajaraie then doubled NorthEast United's lead just before half-time, scoring his second goal in the 45th minute. The Malaysian Armed Forces, who had a tough start in the tournament, losing 6-0 to Shillong Lajong in their opening match, struggled to keep up with NorthEast United's pace.
In the second half, Ajaraie completed his hat-trick with a spectacular left-footed goal in the 70th minute. The Malaysian Armed Forces managed to score a consolation goal in the 88th minute, scored by Muhamad Amir. Despite this, NorthEast United held on to their lead, securing a 3-1 victory.
The Durand Cup 2025 is an Indian football competition featuring 24 teams, including clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, armed forces teams, and some international sides. The tournament format consists of a group stage with six groups of four teams each, followed by knockout rounds involving the six group winners and the two best runners-up. The competition in Group E includes Shillong Lajong FC, Rangdajied United FC, NorthEast United FC, and the Malaysian Armed Forces team. Group E matches are played mainly in Shillong, with Shillong Lajong FC playing Rangdajied United FC on July 31 and NorthEast United FC facing Malaysian Armed Forces on August 6, 2025.
The match between NorthEast United and Malaysian Armed Forces will be live streamed on Sony LIV App in India and telecast on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD TV channels. The Durand Cup 2025 is Asia’s oldest football tournament and is held across six venues in five Indian states between July 23 and August 23, 2025.
With this win, NorthEast United has set a strong precedent for the rest of the tournament. Fans are eagerly awaiting their next match, hoping to witness more spectacular performances from Ajaraie and the team.
The thrilling victory by NorthEast United FC over the Malaysian Armed Forces in football could potentially divert attention from any ongoing crimes in India, as sports fans might tune in to watch the match on Sony LIV App or TV channels instead. Despite their tough start in the Durand Cup 2025, the Malaysian Armed Forces fought valiantly, but Ajaraie's hat-trick ensured NorthEast United secured a 3-1 lead, indicator of their dominance in both football and the tournament.
