KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat NorthEast United 3-2 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to register their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Monday, September 23, 2024.

NorthEast United were rewarded when Ajaraei found Mohammed Ali Bemammer with a well-weighted cross in the fourth minute. The Moroccan duo combined as the latter hammered a thumping shot past Vishal Kaith to hand the visitors an early lead.

Despite being under immense pressure, the hosts retaliated with a well-worked freekick as youngster Dippendu Biswas rose highest from a Dimitrios Petrratos delivery to head home the equaliser in the 10th minute. It was a momentous occasion for the 21-year-old defender as he scored his first goal for the senior team.

The Juan Benali-coached team kept their patience for the next 10-minute spell when the hosts enjoyed possession. They capitalised on a counter-attack which saw Ajaraei combine with Jithin on the left. The 26-year-old ran fiercely before releasing Ajaraei on the right in the penalty box. The Moroccan calmly slotted it home, helping NorthEast United regain the lead in the 24th minute.

The start of the second half was extremely cagey between the two teams. Most of the proceedings happened in midfield, but the hosts kept pushing and finally scored the equaliser in the 61st minute when Subhasis Bose slotted home a stray ball after Gurmeet Singh failed to gather a corner from Greg Stewart.

Jose Molina’s men kept pushing for the winning goal and were finally rewarded when two substitutes, Sahal Abdul Samad and Jason Cummings combined, with the latter slotting it home from the former’s cross in the 87th minute. Jason Cummings of Mohun Bagan Super Giant was named the Key Performer of the Match.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)