Bodoland reportedly held NorthEast United until first-half stoppage time, when Ajaraie struck after a defensive mistake. That breakthrough changed the feel of the contest: the underdogs had contained the champions for much of the opening period, but went into the interval trailing.
The second goal arrived in the 58th minute, with Lalrinzuala finishing after a right-sided move involving Mohammed Arshaf and Jithin MS. Ajaraie then scored again in the 67th minute, capitalising on a loose ball, before Redeem Tlang added a fourth three minutes later.
Ajaraie completed his treble in the 86th minute, reportedly beating two defenders before finishing across goal. Antonio Moyano closed the scoring in stoppage time after Parthib Gogoi squared the ball.
The scoreline points to NorthEast United’s attacking depth: four different players were credited with goals, while Ajaraie supplied the standout individual performance. The timing of the first goal also matters. Bodoland’s resistance lasted until the break, but the champions reportedly scored five times after half-time, punishing defensive errors as the game stretched.
One emphatic result is an encouraging start, not a guarantee of another trophy. NorthEast United will want to carry the same urgency into their next group-stage fixture, while Bodoland must respond by tightening up after the interval. The next match will show whether the champions can sustain this attacking rhythm against a more settled defence.