NorthEast United FC assistant coach Naushad Moosa backed the club to bounce back stronger after straight losses. The Highlanders suffered a 2-0 loss against previous season’s League Shield champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ongoing Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday.
After a goalless first half, Manvir Singh scored in the 65th minute to put the visitors in front. Liston Colaco then doubled the Mariners’ lead as he found the back of the net in the 71st minute.
Before this match, NorthEast United FC had suffered a 1-0 loss against East Bengal FC.
Meanwhile, Moosa admitted his team could not have done much to keep the two goals at bay.
“We saw the replay also. Such a beautiful goal. You really can’t do much about it,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“But yes, it’s very important when a team is playing; we (should) stick to our plan. But again, for both goals, the goalkeeper can’t do anything. It’s the sheer quality of the two wingers. The way they got inside and the way they scored the goal. Hats off to them. It’s a beautiful goal. Credit to both the players who scored the goal,” he continued.
NorthEast United FC took five shots on target whereas they attempted as many shots off target.
Speaking in context, Moosa stated, “In such games, if you see the first half and the second half, teams were not able to create many scoring opportunities, but in such games, you get a chance and you score. What Mohun Bagan did was exactly that. They got a chance, and they scored.”
“You know, as far as you are talking about (Mohammed) Ali Bemammer and (Míchel) Zabaco, of course, they are important players on our team, but equally Hamza (Regragui) or Macarton (Louis Nickson), they really played well. We are so proud of them, especially Macarton, the way he controlled the midfield. He did a very good job. It’s good for the team in the near future. It will help us,” he further added, shedding light on Macarton’s and Regragui’s performances.
NorthEast United FC will next take on Hyderabad FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on 23rd December.
