Guwahati to host ISL tie on Friday evening; Pedro Benali wants no upset against Mohammedan Sporting

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Judging by the standings, North East United FC (NEUFC) appears to be the clear favorite against Mohammedan Sporting in their first home match of the New Year. However, head coach Juan Pedro Benali remains cautious, stressing that there is no room for complacency when his team takes the field at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday evening.

The Highlanders ended 2024 on a high note with a commanding 3-0 away victory over Mumbai City FC, a result that elevated them to fourth place in the ISL standings (P13, W6, D3, L4, Pts 21). In contrast, Mohammedan Sporting languishes at the bottom with just six points from 13 matches.

Speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s game, Benali emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: “It has happened on several occasions where we’ve defeated strong opponents but dropped points against lower-ranked teams in the following matches. This time, we’re determined not to let history repeat itself. We want the full three points from this game, and the boys are fully committed to making that happen.”

Benali went on to call Friday’s match the most important game of the season. “If we think Mumbai was good and tomorrow will be easy, we should stop playing football. Mentally, tomorrow is the most difficult game. We must treat it like a final.”

This will be the second time these two sides meet in the ISL. In the previous encounter, NEUFC earned a 1-0 win in what was an away game for them and the lone goal of the match was scored by Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

Echoing Benali’s sentiments, Robin Yadav, who accompanied the coach during the media conference, said: “We are preparing well under the coach’s guidance. We are not thinking about what happened in the past; we are focused on the present. The team is ready to fight for three points,” he said.

The city has enjoyed pleasant winter weather, with evening temperatures dropping to around 16–17 degrees Celsius. However, Benali dismissed any concerns about the conditions: “It’s a good temperature to play football, and I believe the players will enjoy the game tomorrow evening.”

It is worth noting that NEUFC has been the most prolific scoring team this season, netting 29 goals in 13 matches. Ajaraie, with 14 goals, leads the league in goals and goal contributions.

Ajaraie’s heroics are supported by a formidable frontline. Jithin MS, with five assists, is tied for the most assists in the league. Spanish duo Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach have each contributed four goals, while young Indian forward Parthib Gogoi has added two goals and three assists.

If NEUFC’s attacking players live up to their reputation, it could be a comfortable outing for the Highlanders in front of their home crowd on Friday evening.

Meanwhile Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov appreciated NorthEast United FC for their progress and success of late. “NorthEast United FC did some great results last season and now they’re in the top half of the table. They also won the Durand Cup and they’re one of the best teams in the league now, as shown by their 3-0 win against Mumbai City FC,” Chernyshov said.

Also Read: Parthib Gogoi could become future ‘Chhetri’: Juan Pedro Benali

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