NorthEast United FC retained its Durand Cup title after thrashing Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the 134th final of the tournament at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
The defending champion were leading by a brace after the first 45 minutes. Asheer and Parthib Gogoi gave the lead, scoring one each. Thoi Singh made the scoreline 3-0 in the 50th minute. The forward made a darting run down the right and showed excellent vision to find Thoi Sngh at the far-post, but with a measured pass across the face of the goal. It is the easiest of finishes for Thoi, who lashes the ball inside the net from point-blank range to score the third goal for NorthEast.
Diamond Harbor FC pulled one back, and it came from a set-piece. A corner is delivered into the box, and Joby Justin had an initial touch. Kortazar also offered the telling touch in the end as the ball crept inside the net with Gurmeet completely out of the equation. But by the time Diamond Harbor’s morale was seen sinking already.
NorthEast’s newest foreign signing, Jairo Bustara, struck the fourth goal in the 81st minute. Gaitan and Ajaraie sealed the opposition’s fate by scoring the fifth and sixth goal, respectively.
