NorthEast United FC Triumphs Over Diamond Harbour FC in Durand Cup 2025 Final

Dominant Victory for NorthEast United FC

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23: In a stunning display, NorthEast United FC, the reigning champions, showcased their prowess at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan by defeating newcomers Diamond Harbour FC with a score of 6-1 in the grand finale of the Durand Cup 2025, securing their second consecutive title.

The match was characterized by relentless offensive play from the Highlanders, with six players contributing to the scoreline. Alaaeddine Ajaraie stood out, providing three assists and scoring a penalty late in the game. Diamond Harbour's only goal came in the 68th minute, credited to Luka Majcen after a deflection from Jobby Justin's header, as noted in a press release from the Durand Cup.

Coach Juan Pedro Benali made strategic changes from their semifinal victory against Shillong Lajong FC, bringing in Huidom Thoi Singh and Parthib Gogoi to bolster the attack alongside Ajaraie. Captain Miguel Zabaco led the defense, supported by Asheer Akhtar, Redeem Tlang, and Buanthanglun Samte, with Gurmeet guarding the goal. The midfield featured Spaniards Andy Gaitan and Chema Nunez alongside Mayakkannan, maintaining a solid 4-3-3 formation.

On the other hand, Kibu Vicuna set up Diamond Harbour in a similar formation, with captain Jobby Justin and Girik Mahesh Khosla aiding Slovenian striker Luka Majcen in the attack. Mikel Kortazar partnered with Sairuatkima in central defense, while goalkeeper Mirshad Koottappunna was supported by Liansanga, Paul, and Samuel in midfield as they aimed to continue their impressive run.

The final kicked off with both teams adopting a cautious approach. NorthEast quickly tested Mirshad with Ajaraie's long-range attempt and Parthib's header, both requiring routine saves within the first four minutes.

Diamond Harbour responded with determination. In the 14th minute, Luka Majcen narrowly missed connecting with a header from Kortazar following a long throw by Jobby. Just four minutes later, Kortazar himself headed wide from a clever cross by Jobby. After the 20-minute mark, the newcomers appeared more composed, with Jobby forcing a diving save from Gurmeet in the 23rd minute and later hitting the side-netting.

However, it was the defending champions who struck first. A clever cut-back from Samte in the 28th minute found Parthib, whose shot was parried by Mirshad, leading to a corner that sparked the breakthrough.

Andy’s corner was poorly handled by the Diamond Harbour defense, and although Mirshad made a fine initial save from Mayakkannan’s shot, the loose ball fell to center-back Asheer Akhtar, who scored to give NorthEast a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

Chema Nunez squandered a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 39th minute, dragging his shot wide after a clever setup by Ajaraie. Diamond Harbour nearly capitalized on this miss when Kortazar had a free header in the 43rd minute, but the chance went begging, as per the Durand Cup press release.

Just before half-time, NorthEast delivered a decisive blow. Parthib Gogoi found space and curled a composed right-foot finish past Mirshad to extend the lead to 2-0. The Highlanders went into the break firmly in control, having taken eight shots (six on target) compared to Diamond Harbour's four (only one on target).

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed within five minutes of the second half. Ajaraie broke through the Diamond Harbour defense to collect Nunez’s lofted pass and selflessly squared it for Thoi Singh, who tapped in to make it 3-0 in the 50th minute.

Gurmeet then denied a powerful shot from Liansanga in the 63rd minute, maintaining his clean sheet for a little longer. In the 68th minute, Jobby Justin’s header from a Robilal Mandi corner deflected off Majcen, wrong-footing Gurmeet and allowing Diamond Harbour to pull one back.

Diamond Harbour briefly threatened, with Jobby and Paul both missing chances in quick succession, but NorthEast quickly regained control.

In the 81st minute, substitute Jairo capitalized on a punched clearance by Mirshad, unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box to restore the three-goal cushion at 4-1.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie, a constant threat, turned provider again in the 85th minute. His low cross from the left was met by a sliding finish from Andy, making it 5-1 and marking Ajaraie's third assist of the night.

The Moroccan forward then capped off a remarkable performance. In stoppage time, his curling shot from distance hit the post, but he was quickest to react to the rebound, drawing a foul from Sairuatkima inside the box. Ajaraie calmly converted the penalty, completing the rout at 6-1.

As the final whistle blew, the Highlanders' bench erupted in joy, celebrating their second consecutive Durand Cup victory, a feat not achieved in 25 years. This match also marked the joint-highest margin of victory in a Durand Cup final since 1896, when Somerset Light Infantry defeated Black White by the same score.