Indian super league PREVIEW
By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 29: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as NorthEast United FC take on Jamshedpur FC in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) Playoff (Knockout 2) clash at the JN Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams ended the league phase with 38 points from 24 matches, but the Highlanders secured home advantage courtesy of their superior head-to-head record. NorthEast United dominated their meetings with Jamshedpur this season, registering a commanding 5-0 victory at home and a hard-fought 2-0 win away.
Despite these past results, NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali remains cautious, stressing that previous performances hold no significance in a knockout fixture.
“The past doesn’t matter. This is a quarterfinal, a one-off game. It’s do or die,” Benali stated. “Both teams are hungry for a semifinal spot. Playing in front of our fans adds pressure, but we need to remain focused and execute our plans effectively.”
The Highlanders have been one of the most exciting attacking sides this season, scoring 46 goals—just one short of table-toppers Mohun Bagan SG. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been instrumental in their campaign, amassing 30 goal contributions (23 goals and 7 assists) in 24 matches. Against Jamshedpur, he was particularly lethal, netting a brace in both fixtures while also providing an assist in the 5-0 victory.
Ajaraie has received strong support from Spanish duo Nestor Albiach (6 goals, 1 assist) and Guillermo Fernandez (5 goals). Meanwhile, Indian attackers Jithin MS (2 goals, 7 assists) and Parthib Gogoi (2 goals, 3 assists) have added further firepower to the squad.
The midfield trio of Mayakkannan, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, and Macarton Nickson—who recently earned a call-up to the Indian national team—have provided balance and creativity, contributing five goals and two assists between them.
Defensively, NorthEast United have remained solid, keeping eight clean sheets this season. Skipper Michel Zabaco leads a resilient backline featuring local Shillong talent Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Dinesh Singh, Tondonba Singh, and Buanthanglun Samte.
In goal, Gurmeet Singh, who recently featured in India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and international friendlies, has been a standout performer with seven clean sheets and 67 saves.