NorthEast United FC kicked off their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match was decided by a stoppage-time strike from Moroccan substitute Alaeddine Ajaraei, securing the visitors all three points in their season opener.
Mohammedan Sporting, making their ISL debut, started with poise, controlling much of the first half alongside NorthEast United FC. The opening stages were characterized by a midfield battle, with both teams fighting for control but failing to create any significant chances early on.
The first opportunity of the game fell to NorthEast United’s Spanish striker Guillermo Fernandez in the 10th minute. Jithin MS, who was lively down the left flank, delivered a well-weighted pass into the box. However, Fernandez’s shot drifted just wide of the target.
As the match progressed, Jithin MS, along with teammates Nestor Albiach and Fernandez, grew in confidence, probing the Mohammedan defense with dangerous runs. Mohammedan responded with their own spell of attacking play, led by Alexis Gomez on the left and Mirajlol Kasimov. Despite earning a few corners, Mohammedan couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
A golden opportunity for Mohammedan came late in the first half when Alexis Gomez made a driving run before setting up Makhan Chothe on the right wing. Chothe’s cross found Remsanga in the box, but his header went wide, and the forward was later flagged offside. The half ended goalless, with both sides showing flashes of attacking intent but lacking the final touch.
The second half saw Mohammedan SC once again push forward, with Alexis Gomez taking the initiative. However, Gomez’s repeated efforts from distance either missed the target or lacked the power to trouble NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.
As the game wore on, NorthEast United began to assert more control, with Jithin MS and Parthib Gogoi creating half-chances. The introduction of substitute Alaeddine Ajaraei in the 57th minute injected fresh energy into the Highlanders’ attack. Ajaraei, in particular, caused problems for the Mohammedan defense with his movement and link-up play.
Ajaraei came close to scoring in the 77th minute after combining well with Dinesh Singh. He found himself in space inside the box but failed to keep his shot on target. Minutes later, Mohammedan nearly broke the deadlock when Sagolsem Bikash Singh’s strike whistled just wide of the goal, following a well-placed pass from Gomez.
As the clock ticked towards full time, it seemed the game was headed for a goalless draw. However, in the 94th minute, substitute Thoi Singh delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding Ajaraei unmarked. The Moroccan calmly slotted the ball into the net from close range, giving NorthEast United a last-gasp lead and securing the win.
Alaeddine Ajaraei made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute. His movement off the ball troubled the Mohammedan defense, and his stoppage-time goal sealed the victory for his side. Ajaraei’s performance was crucial in breaking the deadlock in what had been a tightly contested match.
Mohammedan Sporting Club will look to bounce back when they host FC Goa on September 21 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC remain in Kolkata for their next match, where they will face reigning ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant on September 23.
