Bhubaneswar, April 23 : NorthEast United FC will commence their Kalinga Super Cup campaign against Mohammedan SC at the Kalinga Stadium in an early kick-off on Thursday. This knockout format tournament, held at the end of the season, offers a coveted ticket to the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Qualifying playoffs.
This clash will mark the third-ever meeting between the two teams. Mohammedan SC played their inaugural Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) match against NorthEast United FC, with the latter securing a 1-0 victory in second-half stoppage time, thanks to Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s decisive goal. The reverse fixture in Guwahati ended in a goalless draw.
Juan Pedro Benali, NorthEast United FC’s head coach, emphasised the importance of his team finding their rhythm from the very beginning of the campaign.
“It will be crucial to get into the rhythm right from the start. We are ready, the players are focused, they understand their responsibility, and team morale is high. We have a distinct style and way of playing, and we will adhere to our game plan,” Benali stated on the eve of the match.
Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie enjoyed a remarkable debut ISL season, winning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. His impressive tally of 30 goal contributions in 25 games (23 goals and seven assists) saw him break multiple ISL records.
Alongside Ajaraie, the Highlanders’ frontline boasts the dynamic Indian duo of Jithin MS (2 goals and five assists in 23 ISL games) and Parthib Gogoi (2 goals and 3 assists in 22 ISL games on the flanks. They are complemented by the Spanish duo of Guillermo Fernandez (5 goals in 19 ISL games) and Nestor Albiach (6 goals and 1 assist in 25 ISL games).
In goal, Gurmeet Singh has been in imperious form this ISL season, registering seven clean sheets and making an impressive 69 saves. His stellar performances earned him a call-up to the national team during the March international window.
Protecting him is a solid backline led by captain Michel Zabaco, comprising Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Zabaco, and Buanthanglun Samte, who have maintained a tight defence.
“We will be playing against a strong side that plays with intensity. We will need to perform well, and we have our strategies in place to execute our game,” Captain Zabaco affirmed.
Shielding the backline, the midfield trio of Mayakkannan, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, and Macarton Nickson have been instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo, creating scoring opportunities for the forwards, and providing crucial defensive cover.
Come Thursday, Juan Pedro Benali’s men will be eager to kick off their Kalinga Super Cup campaign with a victory and secure a place in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
