By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 16: The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to make its long-awaited debut in Shillong as NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) prepares to play their first-ever match at their ‘new home’—the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The Highlanders will kick off this historic occasion by hosting last season’s ISL Cup champions, Mumbai City FC, on February 7, 2025, marking a significant moment for football fans in Meghalaya.
NEUFC will follow up with two more high-profile fixtures at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, taking on Bengaluru FC on February 21, and East Bengal FC on March 8.
These matches in Shillong are expected to be a major attraction for local fans, who have long been passionate about football.
Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, expressed his excitement about bringing top-tier football to Shillong.
“As a club representing Northeast India, we aim to take football to other parts of the region. The Durand Cup 2024 showed us the incredible passion of Meghalaya’s football fans, and we’re excited to build on that momentum. With the support of the ISL, the Meghalaya Government, and the Meghalaya Football Association, we’re committed to making Shillong a football capital of India.”
Meanwhile, other key fixtures across the league were also announced. Kerala Blasters FC will face off against arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on January 30.
Another thrilling clash between Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC will take place on February 25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru—matches that will be critical in determining playoff positions.
The league’s final phase will conclude on March 12, with Hyderabad FC hosting Kerala Blasters at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad.
Fans can also look forward to the second leg of the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC on January 11, followed by another Kolkata rivalry match when Mohammedan SC takes on Mohun Bagan SG on February 1.
The derby rounds will wrap up with the highly-anticipated Mohammedan SC vs East Bengal FC clash on February 16, all hosted at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The fixtures also include key encounters such as Bengaluru FC’s trip to Jamshedpur for their January 4 clash, and Punjab FC hosting Kerala Blasters in New Delhi on January 5.
A must-watch game between Odisha FC and FC Goa on January 4 promises a display of Spanish football flair under coaches Sergio Lobera and Manolo Marquez.
With Shillong now part of the ISL calendar, the football fervor in Meghalaya is set to reach new heights.
With the inclusion of Shillong as a host city for ISL matches, the league continues to expand its reach, bringing high-quality football to new regions across India.
For NorthEast United FC, playing in front of the passionate fans of Meghalaya offers a unique opportunity to further solidify their presence in the region.
As the excitement builds towards February, this historic moment will not only elevate football in Shillong but also inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts in the Northeast.
The 2024-25 season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet, with teams battling it out for glory and fans across the country eagerly awaiting the action.