NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali hailed Mohammedan SC’s ability to cause upsets this season after his side won their opener in the ISL 2024-25. The match was held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, as Benali’s side clashed with debutants Mohammedan SC.
NorthEast United FC started their ISL campaign on a bright note, mounting pressure on Mohammedan SC from the word go. Exhilarated by the enthusiastic home crowd, the Black and White Brigade continued to grow in confidence and posed a constant threat to the Highlanders throughout the game.
Both teams pushed hard in the second half to break the deadlock. The game opened up in the dying minutes of the match, with the clinching goal coming well into injury time. Substitutes Huidrom Thoi Singh and Alaeddine Ajaraie then combined in the 94th minute to give NorthEast United FC the win. Thoi Singh had an assist-first in the ISL while Ajaraie finished with aplomb to seal the crucial three points.
Following the match, Benali looked back at the match during the post-game news conference, saying that sometimes getting three points when you have not been at your best can be a positive thing. “Sometimes it’s nice when you don’t play well and still get the three points,” he said.
Looking at the overall analysis of the game, Benali noted the main areas of improvement: “First half, we were inconsistent with the ball; we rushed too much, didn’t have patience. Reading of the game was off, but defensively very good since we didn’t allow so many chances against us,” he said. However, he believes that NorthEast United FC turned a leaf over in the second half. “Much better with the ball in the second half, created more chances, and made some tactical adjustments,” he added.
The opposing team, Mohammedan SC, was strong. They dominated possession for 60 percent and matched shots on target against NorthEast United FC. About Mohammedan SC’s performance in their ISL debut, Benali said, “We expected this kind of game. We expected Mohammedan SC to play hard and run and fight. So, anybody who expected anything different from Mohammedan SC was wrong. Be careful; they will surprise many.“
Benali hailed Mohammedan SC’s approach: “Mohammedan SC played good football. They prepared well for the game and showed their quality in front of their fans. We needed to be cautious, and this is exactly what we encountered. We advised our players to be patient, and eventually, the goal came.”
Concluding, Benali highlighted respect towards Mohammedan SC and their chances of becoming a strong force this season. As NorthEast United FC goes deep into the ISL, he remains optimistic about challenges that might come up ahead.
ANI
