Durand Cup
Guwahati, Aug 20: NorthEast United FC powered their way into the quarterfinals of the 132nd Durand Cup with a confident 3-1 win over debutants Downtown Heroes FC of Kashmir.
The Highlanders came from behind to stamp their authority over the inexperienced debutants through three scintillating strikes in the second half after suffering an early setback. For the Highlanders, goals from Ibson Melo in the 48th minute, Captain Romain Philippoteaux in the 52nd minute and substitute Parthib Gogoi in the 78th minute, ensured an authoritative win after an early setback in the eighth minute from Parvaj Bhuiya of Downtown Heroes FC.
NEUFC who are part of Group D are now second in the group with seven points, trailing FC Goa on goal difference. Both Goa and NorthEast have sealed their quarterfinal berths from Group D.
The home side kicked off the first half with a lot of steam, but failed to capitalise on the momentum. After a failed attempt in the sixth minute through Hira Mondal the Highlanders could not breach the final third of their opponents. However, Downtown Heroes lapped up the only chance and shocked the hosts drawing first blood through Bhuiya after a howler from keeper Mirshad. It was the 8th minute.
Thereafter the Downtown Heroes pressed hard in through Ezekiel and Parvaj, but a careful Mirshad ensured that the debutants did not get a chance to double their lead. The first half came to an end with Downtown Heroes leading 1-0.
The Highlanders returned in the second half with local boy Gogoi replacing Jithin. The game changed for good thereafter, resulting in an equalizer soon after, as Ibson Melo found the back of the net in the 48th minute.
NorthEast continued to attack and doubled their lead in the 52nd minute, when a miss-pass from Downtown Heroes just outside the box saw the Philippoteaux make no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Gogoi showcased his class once again taking out three defenders with a solo run into the box to smash in Northeast’s third goal in the 78th minute. (IANS)