NorthEast United FC look to make it two wins from two when they take on Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a first ever competitive meeting between the sides at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday. The defending champions could hardly have asked for a better start to their title defence, and a second win here would put them firmly in control of Group F.
Match Details: NorthEast United vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC Kickoff Information
Here’s what fans need to know before kickoff tonight.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Durand Cup 2026, Group F |
| Date | Saturday, August 8, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati |
| Group standing | NorthEast United FC 1st, on 3 points |
(Source: The Sentinel)
For the full Group F picture and how this fixture affects the wider standings, FootballMint’s Durand Cup 2026 points table has every group’s latest positions.
NorthEast United’s Dominant Opening Statement
NorthEast United FC opened their title defence in emphatic fashion, and the numbers from that match explain why they sit top of the group with the best goal difference on offer.
- Beat Bodoland FC 6-0 in their tournament opener.
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a hat-trick to steal the headlines.
- Lalrinzuala, Redeem Tlang and Antonio Moyano also found the net.
- The win handed the Highlanders the best goal difference in Group F.
(Source: The Sentinel)
That performance was built on attacking football combined with defensive discipline, a style that’s already become the hallmark of Juan Pedro Benali’s side. With momentum firmly behind them, the challenge now is showing that level of quality can be repeated against unfamiliar opposition.
A First Ever Meeting Between the Two Sides
This will be the first competitive fixture between NorthEast United FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in either club’s history. That lack of head to head data adds a layer of unpredictability to a match that otherwise looks heavily tilted toward the defending champions on current form.
NorthEast United FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC Full Squad Lists
Both clubs have named strong squads for this Group F campaign.
NorthEast United FC Squad
Head coach: Juan Pedro Benali
NorthEast United enter as defending champions after lifting the 2025 title, and remain among the favourites again under their new head coach.
- Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K
- Defenders: Dinesh Singh, Tondonba Singh, Buanthanglun Samte, Asheer Akhtar, Eneko Satrústegui
- Midfielders: Mayakkannan Muthu, Louis Nickson, Bekey Oram, Mohammed Arshaf, Antonio Moyano
- Forwards: Jithin MS, Ankith Padmanabhan, Ethyan González, Parthib Gogoi, Alaaeddine Ajaraie
(Source: Official Club Website)
Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC Squad
Head coach: C A Laldinsang Pudaite
Karbi Anglong Morning Star round out Group F with a squad built around Assamese and international talent alike.
- Goalkeepers: Jaspreet Singh, Muhammed Murshid, Rishab Ansari
- Defenders: Paogumang Singson, Rohit Meitei, Victor Kamhuka, Harbamon Timung
- Midfielders: Junior Onguene, Vikash Singh, Victor Ogheneochuko, Jirjar Terang
- Forwards: Lalpekhlua, Taison, Calvin Songate, Vidal Chissano
(Source: Official Club Website)
For the wider tournament picture on every club’s roster, FootballMint’s Durand Cup 2026 teams and squads guide covers all six groups.
What to Expect From This Group F Clash
NorthEast United’s attacking trio of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Parthib Gogoi and Antonio Moyano gives them real firepower up front, and after that six goal opening display, Karbi Anglong will need a much sturdier defensive setup to avoid a repeat scoreline. Paogumang Singson and Rohit Meitei will be central to any hopes Karbi Anglong have of frustrating the champions, while attacking players like Lalpekhlua and Vidal Chissano offer a route back into the game if chances come their way.
Given the gulf in current form and the champions’ pedigree, NorthEast United go into this one as strong favourites to move to two wins from two.
Where to Watch NorthEast United vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC
Fans can catch the match through Sony Sports Network and the SonyLIV app, the official broadcast partners for the 2026 Durand Cup. FootballMint’s Durand Cup 2026 live streaming and TV guide has the full broadcaster list for every fixture across the tournament.
NorthEast United Look to Extend Their Perfect Start Against Group F Newcomers Karbi Anglong
NorthEast United FC’s commanding six goal opening win has given them early control of Group F, and a first ever meeting with Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC presents a fresh test of that early momentum. With Juan Pedro Benali’s side blending attacking quality and defensive discipline, the defending champions look well placed to make it two wins from two and edge closer to qualification from the group.
