KOLKATA: NorthEast United left it late to start their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with a 1-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday, September 16, 2024.

The visitors earned three points courtesy of a second half added time strike from Alaeddine Ajaraei.

Mohammedan Sporting eased their nerves with a good start to a monumental game in their sporting history. The majority of the first half was played in the middle of the park with both sets of midfielders wrestling for possession. The first real opening fell to NorthEast United FC’s star striker Guillermo Fernandez in the 10th minute when Jithin MS from the left flank found the Spaniard with a measured dink pass. However, Guillermo’s eventual shot was slightly off target.

The Kerala-born winger along with Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez grew in confidence as the match went on. Jithin delighted the left flank with many darting runs while Nestor and Guillermo were trying to capitalise on the space given by the Mohammedan SC defenders.

The Highlanders gradually gained momentum in the second half with Jithin and Parthib Gogoi getting a couple of half-chances. The Juan Pedro Benali-coached team were considerably the better team especially when Alaeddine Ajaraie came on as a substitute, adding more panache to their attack.

The game came to life when a beautifully weighted cross from substitute Thoi Singh reached Ajaraie in space and the Moroccan made no mistake to score from close range in the 94th minute.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)