All posts tagged: northeast united fc

Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC drawn in Group A

Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC drawn in Group A

The countdown to the Durand Cup 2026 gathered further momentum as the Organising Committee announced the 24 participating teams across the tournament’s five host cities and confirmed the host city match windows. The tournament will commence in Kolkata on July 25 before travelling across the five host cities over the following four weeks, culminating with the Final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23. Hosted across Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Guwahati and Shillong, this year’s edition will once again bring together a blend of India’s leading clubs, Services teams, emerging sides and international participation, continuing the tournament’s tradition of combining rich heritage with contemporary Indian football. As the home of the Durand Cup since 2019, Kolkata once again forms the centrepiece of the tournament. The city will host two groups along with the inaugural match, two quarter-finals, a semi-final and the Final. All matches will be played across both the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, with matches scheduled between July 25 and August 23. The Kolkata roster is headlined by …

East Bengal FC begin campaign with 3-0 win over NorthEast United

East Bengal FC begin campaign with 3-0 win over NorthEast United

East Bengal FC opened their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday. After a goalless first half, East Bengal took control in the second period through a decisive spell from Youssef Ezzejjari. The forward broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, finishing from close range after connecting with a cross from Bipin Singh. Six minutes later, Ezzejjari struck again to double the advantage and shift momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour. NorthEast United had shown encouraging signs earlier, with Jithin MS posing a threat down the right flank and Andy Rodriguez orchestrating play in midfield. However, East Bengal tightened their defensive structure and capitalised on key moments after the hour mark. Hosts seal win in stoppage time As NorthEast pushed forward in search of a response, East Bengal maintained control and added a third goal deep into stoppage time. Miguel Ferreira found the net in the 90+2 minute to cap a clinical performance and secure all three points. …

Alaaeddine Ajaraie extends stay at NorthEast United FC

Alaaeddine Ajaraie extends stay at NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC are delighted to announce that Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Boot and the Golden Ball winner, will stay with the club for the 2025-26 season. Ajaraie joined NorthEast United FC at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a contract that included an option for a second year, contingent upon meeting specific performance criteria. Following a stellar debut season in Indian football, the Moroccan forward fulfilled those requirements, automatically activating the contract extension. Ajaraie was also keen to continue his journey with the club and had expressed his desire to stay on and build on the momentum throughout the season. Ajaraie, 32, enjoyed a phenomenal first season, registering an impressive 29 goals and 10 assists across 32 appearances in all competitions. He opened his NorthEast United account on his club debut — the Durand Cup clash against Border Security Force FC — and played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, including in the final, where he scored, assisted, and converted his penalty in the shootout to help NorthEast …

The unassuming architect of Indian Football’s greatest underdog stories

The unassuming architect of Indian Football’s greatest underdog stories

On the warm Saturday evening in Bhubaneswar, Khalid Jamil stood once again on the sidelines, watching as Jamshedpur FC fell to FC Goa in the Kalinga Super Cup final. A 3-0 scoreline. Another heartbreak. Just weeks earlier, his side had been knocked out in the dying minutes of the ISL semifinal by Mohun Bagan. Two painful exits. Two chances at glory, slipping through his fingers. But this has never been a story of trophies alone. Khalid Jamil is not the headline-maker with dramatic touchline antics or marquee quotes. He is the quiet craftsman — India’s first torchbearer in a league still largely defined by foreign tacticians. In the world of flash and fame, he remains the understated architect of belief. While foreign coaches have shaped the Indian Super League’s narrative, Khalid Jamil has led a silent revolution—one wrapped in resilience, humility, and an unrelenting love for the game. His story is rarely told. But it should be. A journey shaped by principles Khalid’s love for football began in Kuwait, though it wasn’t a career path …

Jamshedpur FC sink NorthEast United to reach semi-finals

Jamshedpur FC sink NorthEast United to reach semi-finals

Jamshedpur FC defeated NorthEast United FC 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong to enter the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Indian Super League on Sunday. The Red Miners will face League Shield Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the last-four fixture, whereas the Highlanders’ run in the campaign rounds off with this result. Jamshedpur FC’s five away victories so far this season are the best that they have recorded in any ISL campaign. The visitors grabbed the breakthrough in their unique style, with Ashutosh Mehta pulling off a long throw-in that found its way to Stephen Eze inside the 18-yard box. The towering defender made a quick feet adjustment before shooting the ball from a difficult angle on the right to the top left corner in the 29th minute. Mohammed Sanan built upon this momentum by embracing an effort from distance that had power behind it but missed the target on the right, swerving away from the post eight minutes later. Buanthanglun Samte took matters in his own hands by pulling off a looping …

Which teams have the most home and away wins?

Which teams have the most home and away wins?

Home and away performances play a crucial role in determining a team’s success in the Indian Super League (ISL). While some teams turn their home grounds into fortresses, others thrive under pressure in away fixtures. A balanced approach in both scenarios is often the key to securing a top spot in the league standings. In the ISL 2024-25 season, certain teams stood out by dominating both at home and on the road. Their consistency ensured they remained strong contenders for the playoffs and beyond. With the ISL playoffs approaching, The Bridge looks at the top five teams with the most home and away wins this season. Top home performers in ISL 2024-25 1) Mohun Bagan Super Giant (11 Wins, 34 Points) Mohun Bagan Super Giant dominated at home, securing 11 wins and 34 points at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. With an attacking lineup featuring Jason Cummings and Greg Stewart, combined with a rock-solid defense, they remained nearly unbeatable on home turf. 2) FC Goa (8 Wins, 26 Points) FC Goa made the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium …

ISL 2024-25 Playoffs schedule: Semi-final fixtures, qualified teams

ISL 2024-25 Playoffs schedule: Semi-final fixtures, qualified teams

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 regular season has concluded, setting the stage for an exciting playoff battle. With Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa securing direct semi-final spots, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mumbai City FC will fight it out in the knockout round for a place in the final four. The knockouts will be played on March 29 and 30, 2025, followed by the semifinal first legs on April 2 and 3 and the second legs on April 6 and 7. The winners will advance to the grand finale, where the ISL 2024-25 champion will be crowned. The league stage concluded on March 12, but there’s a significant gap before the playoffs as the Indian men’s national team is set to play international matches during this period. ISL 2024-25 Playoff Format The top six teams after the league stage qualify for the playoffs, with the top two teams—Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa—earning direct semi-final berths. The teams finishing between third and sixth place enter the knockout round, where …

Northeast United FC Captain Mirshad Michu breaks Ramadan fast during ISL match

Northeast United FC Captain Mirshad Michu breaks Ramadan fast during ISL match

Northeast United FC goalkeeper Mirshad Michu, who captained the team on Saturday, had to break his Ramadan fast during the match against East Bengal FC due to an early kickoff as it was the day’s first game. With the game starting at 5:30 PM as part of an ISL double-header, Michu didn’t have the usual opportunity to break his fast before kickoff, unlike in 7:30 PM fixtures. The moment came in the 46th minute when East Bengal captain Cleiton Silva was down with a knock. As play was halted, Michu quickly took the opportunity to consume some fluids, fruits and dates to end his fast. Despite the physical challenge, Michu led by example, putting in a commanding performance in goal and keeping a clean sheet as Northeast United FC cruised to a 4-0 victory over East Bengal FC. Watch the moment here: Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit …

East Bengal finish season with record red cards- Talking points

East Bengal finish season with record red cards- Talking points

East Bengal FC’s dismal 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season ended on a sour note as they suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. The result marked 10th win for the Highlanders, propelling them into the playoffs with 38 points from 24 games. However, the match also saw East Bengal FC continue their worrying trend of disciplinary issues, as Tanmay Das’ late red card meant that East Bengal wrapped up the season with a record number of red cards — a stat that perfectly reflects their turbulent campaign. Here are the five major talking points from NorthEast United’s dominant win over East Bengal: 5. East Bengal FC End the Season With a Record Number of Red Cards East Bengal’s 2024-25 ISL campaign will be remembered not only for their inconsistent performances but also for their poor disciplinary record. With Tanmay Das being sent off in the 84th minute, East Bengal now hold the unwanted record of the most red cards in a single ISL season. The Kolkata-based …

Bengaluru FC back on track with win over NorthEast United- Talking points

Bengaluru FC back on track with win over NorthEast United- Talking points

Bengaluru FC showcased a clinical performance to secure a crucial 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Despite having only 37.3% possession, the Blues made the most of their chances, scoring twice from their four shots on target. The win sees them climb to fourth place in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 standings with 34 points from 21 matches, while NorthEast United FC remain in fifth with 32 points. Here are the five major talking points from Bengaluru FC’s victory: #5 Bengaluru FC’s Tactical Efficiency Possession is often considered crucial in football, but Bengaluru FC proved that efficiency matters more. While NorthEast United FC controlled the ball for most of the game and delivered 25 crosses compared to Bengaluru’s 10, they failed to convert their attacking efforts into goals. The Blues, on the other hand, were ruthless in front of goal, making the most of their limited opportunities to secure all three points. #4 Ryan Williams’ Early Strike Sets the Tone Bengaluru FC wasted no time in getting …