Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali feels Mohammedan SC will surprise a lot of teams in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League 2024-25. The Highlanders were set to share the points with Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Monday before Alaeddine Ajaraie scored in the 93rd minute to take his team over the line.

The home team dominated the possession with 60.2% but it was Benali’s team that had the final laugh. Mohammedan SC won the I-league in the previous season and earned a promotion to the ISL.

“Sometimes it’s nice when you don’t play well and still get the three points,” Benali stated at the post-match press conference.

The Spaniard admitted they weren’t at their best in the first half as they were not patient with the ball but turned the tables in the second half.

“In the first half, we weren’t consistent with the ball. We were too much in a hurry. We were not patient with the ball. We didn’t read the game very well. But defensively, we were very, very good. Nearly no chances were created against us.”

“But in the second half, we were much better with the ball we created more chances we made some tactical changes and (looked) much better,” said Benali.

When asked if the Kolkata giants’ performance in their ISL debut had surprised him, Benali remarked, “We were expecting this kind of game. We were expecting Mohammedan SC to play like this, to fight, to run. It’s normal. And if somebody doesn’t expect Mohammedan SC to play like this and to fight, he’s mistaken. Be careful. They will make a lot of surprises.”

“Mohammedan SC played (good) football, they prepared the game very well, (we knew) they would try to show in front of the fans, (so) we needed to be careful. And this is exactly what happened. We told the players to be patient, the goal would come and that’s what happened exactly,” the Spaniard commented

NorthEast United FC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Monday.