Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a superb hat-trick as NorthEast United came from behind to defeat Shillong Lajong 5-2 in the Durand Cup quarterfinal. The Highlanders produced a dominant second-half display to book a fourth successive semifinal appearance
Shillong Lajong and debutants Nongkseh SS&CC kick off the 135th Durand Cup campaign in a historic Shillong derby as Meghalaya celebrates an unprecedented three local clubs in the tournament, highlighting the state's growing stature in Indian football.