Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Aug 1: Defending champions NorthEast United FC launched their Durand Cup title defence in dominant fashion, thrashing Bodoland FC 6-0 in the opening Group F match of the 135th edition at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred with a hat-trick, while Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Redeem Tlang and Antonio Moyano also found the net as the Highlanders made a perfect start to their campaign.

NorthEast United controlled possession from the outset and created several chances, with Ajaraie and Lalrinzuala combining well in attack. Despite sustained pressure, the breakthrough came only in first-half stoppage time when Ajaraie calmly slotted home after Bodoland lost possession inside their own half.

The defending champions went into the break with 58 per cent possession and nine shots, including five on target, while Bodoland failed to register a shot on target.

Bodoland showed greater attacking intent after the restart but NorthEast quickly regained control. Lalrinzuala doubled the lead in the 58th minute, finishing from close range after Jithin M.S. set him up with a low cross.

Ajaraie struck again in the 67th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box before delicately lifting his effort over goalkeeper Birkhang Daimary to make it 3-0.

Redeem Tlang added the fourth in the 70th minute after being played through by Macarton Louis Nickson, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Ajaraie completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute with a composed finish after weaving past two defenders following a defence-splitting pass.

NorthEast United rounded off the scoring in stoppage time when Ajaraie set up Parthib Gogoi, who squared the ball for substitute Antonio Moyano to tap home and complete the 6-0 rout.

Sunday's fixture: Mohammedan SC will face Samaleswari Sporting at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata at 4 p.m.