Shillong, Aug 24: NorthEast United FC delivered a footballing masterclass as they demolished debutants Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the Durand Cup 2025 final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, retaining their crown in style.
The Highlanders were unstoppable, with goals from Asheer Akhtar, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, Javi Hernández Samperio, Gaitan Andy and Alaaeddine Ajaraie sealing the victory. Luka Majcen pulled one back for Diamond Harbour, but it was little more than a consolation in a one-sided contest.
NEUFC struck first in the 30th minute through Asheer before Gogoi doubled the lead in stoppage time (45+1’). Thoi Singh’s 50th-minute strike put the Highlanders 3-0 up, and although Majcen netted in the 68th minute, it only delayed the inevitable. A late flurry from NEUFC saw Hernández score in the 81st minute, Andy add another in the 85th, and Ajaraie round off the rout with a stoppage-time penalty (90+3’).
Durand Cup 2025 Final: Awards
Gurmeet Singh wins the Golden Glove.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie wins the Golden Ball.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie also wins the Golden Boot.
Prize for Teams –
Champions – Rs 1.21 crore
Runners-up – Rs 60 lakh
Losing semi-finalists – Rs 25 lakh each
Losing quarter-finalists – Rs 15 lakh each
Individual Awards –
Winners of the Golden Ball (Best player of the tournament), Golden Boot (Highest goal scorer), and Golden Gloves (Best goalkeeper) each received Rs 3 lakh and a brand-new Mahindra XUV 3OO SUV.
