As the Durand Cup 2025 nears its business end, the race for the Golden Ball also heats up ahead of the quarter-finals of what is the oldest football tournament. Alaaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast United FC and Liston Colaco of Mohun Bagan Super Giant are currently leading the race with five goals each after the group stage.
Both NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan have qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament. NorthEast United FC will square off against Bodoland FC in Assam as the latter eye a heist after reaching the quarter-finals for the first time. Bagan, meanwhile, will face East Bengal in Kolkata Derby on August 17, Sunday as they eye their 18th Durand Cup title.
Ajaraie, the Moroccan, had already won the Golden ball in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 edition when he netted 23 goals and did seven assists in the 25 matches he played. Luke Majcen and Clayton of Diamond Harbour FC are also in contention, given they have netted four goals each currently.
Mohun Bagan FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Diamond Harbour FC, Indian Navy FT, Bodoland FC, Shillong Lajong FC and East Bengal FC have made it to the quarter-finals.
Quarter-final fixtures
Shillong Lajong FC vs Indian Navy FT - Saturday, 16th August, 4:00 PM (Shillong)
Bodoland FC vs NorthEast United FC - Saturday, 16th August, 7:00 PM (Kokrajhar)
Jamshedpur FC vs Diamond Harbour FC - Sunday, 17th August, 4:00 PM (Jamshedpur)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC - Sunday, 17th August, 7:00 PM (Kolkata)
The live telecast of the matches will take place at Sony Sports Network channels in India. Meanwhile, the streaming will be on the Sony LIV app and website.
