Defending champions NorthEast United FC will look to strengthen their position at the top of Group F when they take on debutants Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in their second match of Durand Cup at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.The Highlanders made a rampaging start to their title defence, thrashing fellow debutants Bodoland FC 6-0 in their opening game. Moroccan Alaaeddine Ajaraie led the rout with a hat-trick as Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang and Antonio Moyano added one each.The result put NorthEast at the top of the group table with three points and the best goal difference. Juan Pedro Benali’s side will now look to build on that momentum and move closer to qualification with another resounding victory.Karbi Anglong Morning Star, meanwhile, are seeking their first points after going down to FC1 in their tournament opener. The Diphu-based side, founded in 2008, have won the Assam State Premier League twice, in 2015 and the 2023-24 season, but Saturday’s game, the first competitive meeting between the two sides, will be a different ball game altogether.In the day’s other game, Shillong Lajong FC will look to make it two wins in a row when they face Mumbay FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in front of their home crowd.Lajong opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nongkseh SS & CC, giving the home side a strong start in the tournament. Lajong will start as favourites to claim another three points against a Mumbay FC side desperate to bounce back from a 5-0 drubbing to Group E leaders Langsning FC in their opening fixture.The contrasting results give Lajong psychological edge heading into Saturday’s encounter, although the visitors will be keen to put their opening-day disappointment behind and stay alive.With NorthEast United and Shillong Lajong both in action at home, Saturday promises to be an important day for northeast football in the 135th edition of Durand Cup. While the Highlanders aim to cement their position at the top of Group F, Lajong will look to strengthen their campaign with another favourable outcome in Shillong.
