In a nail-biting Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Sunday, NorthEast United FC emerged victorious over Odisha FC with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to a stunning brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie and a late goal from substitute Guillermo Fernandez.
Odisha FC put up a spirited fight with goals from Hugo Boumous and Diego Mauricio but fell short in a game brimming with energy and high drama.
NorthEast United FC, known for its high-intensity starts, didn’t disappoint. Pressing aggressively from the opening whistle, they forced Odisha’s defense into hasty clearances. The attacking quartet of Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS, and Ajaraie relentlessly pressured Odisha’s backline, creating early chances and leaving the visitors visibly unsettled.
Ajaraie struck first for NorthEast United in the 12th minute. Set up by a clever pass from Parthib, he found a pocket of space just outside the penalty area, unleashed a powerful shot, and beat Odisha goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. This goal marked Ajaraie’s seventh consecutive scoring game, setting a new league record by surpassing Elano Blumer’s six-game streak.
The Highlanders continued to dominate as Ajaraie nearly set up a second goal, delivering a beautifully weighted ball that nearly connected with Nestor Albiach. Although Nestor was slightly late to arrive in the box, NorthEast kept Odisha’s defense under constant pressure. Moments later, Ajaraie had another chance, but his header narrowly missed the target.
In the 40th minute, Ajaraie doubled NorthEast’s lead. After Mohammed Bemammer won possession in midfield, he passed to Jithin, who quickly found Ajaraie in space. With only Amrinder to beat, Ajaraie clinically finished to put the Highlanders ahead 2-0, capping off a commanding first half for the hosts.
Odisha FC regrouped after halftime with coach Anthony Fernandes bringing on Hugo Boumous and Saviour Gama to spark a comeback. The changes paid off as Boumous scored in the 60th minute, converting a sharp pass from Gama. Boumous dribbled past NorthEast’s defense and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and shifting momentum toward the visitors.
But NorthEast United’s coach Juan Pedro Benali responded by bringing on Guillermo Fernandez, who promptly rewarded his coach’s faith. In the 71st minute, Ajaraie delivered a well-timed cross, and Fernandez netted NorthEast’s third goal, extending the lead to 3-1.
Odisha continued to press, and in the 83rd minute, Mauricio struck a sensational free-kick to bring the visitors back within one goal. Yet, despite Odisha’s relentless late push, NorthEast’s defense held firm, securing the team’s third win of the season.
The victory reinforced NorthEast United’s promising start to the season and spotlighted Ajaraie’s record-setting performance as they look to climb further up the ISL standings.
