Shillong, Aug. 18 -- Alaaeddine Ajaraie orchestrated a breathtaking second-half comeback with a sensational hat-trick as NorthEast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a high-stakes Northeastern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

On Monday, after trailing 2-1 at the break in torrential rain, the Highlanders turned the quarter-final clash on its head with four second-half goals, booking their spot in the Durand Cup semi-finals, as per a press release.

With this emphatic result, all four semi-finalists for the Durand Cup have been officially confirmed: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC, and NorthEast United FC.

Setting up for the crucial quarter-final, both sides adopted an attacking 4-3-3 formation...