Shillong: Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice as NorthEast United FC delivered a second-half blitz to overwhelm East Bengal 4-0 in their Indian Super League (ISL) encounter in Shillong on Saturday.
Nestor Albiach opened the scoring in the 59th minute, followed by Ajaraie’s goals in the 66th and 79th minutes, while Mohammed Bemammer sealed the emphatic victory with an 86th-minute strike.
With their 10th win of the season, the Highlanders concluded their league campaign with 38 points from 24 games, securing their place in the playoffs.
The victory marked NorthEast United’s first-ever ISL win in Shillong and was the eighth time this season they scored three or more goals in a match.
Despite a promising first half for East Bengal, where Cleiton Silva’s 22nd-minute free-kick narrowly missed the target, the visitors failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
Ajaraie played a pivotal role throughout the match, starting with a crucial assist to Nestor Albiach in the 59th minute.
Nestor broke the deadlock by meeting a cross from Tondonba Singh with a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The Highlanders doubled their lead when Ajaraie pounced on a rebound from a corner kick in the 66th minute, slotting the ball into the net through a crowded penalty area.
ALSO READ: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face severe food cuts amid funding shortfalls
Ajaraie’s relentless attacking pressure paid off again in the 79th minute when he converted a penalty after being fouled by Tanmay Das, who was subsequently sent off in the 84th minute for another challenge.
NorthEast United continued their offensive dominance, and their persistence paid off when Mohammed Bemammer capitalised on a loose ball from a corner kick, scoring the team’s fourth goal in the 86th minute.
The result highlights the Highlanders’ attacking prowess and momentum as they head into the playoffs, while East Bengal is left to reflect on a season filled with missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
