Defending champions Mumbai City FC (MCFC) defeated NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) by 2-0 in a landmark fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, that was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya on Friday night.

Opportunistic goals by Bipin Singh (41’) and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte (90+2’) on either side of the half saw the Islanders avenge their 0-3 loss to the Highlanders early in the season.  

In the process the Petr Kratky coached Mumbai side not only ended Juan Pedro Benali coached side NorthEast United’s unbeaten run of eight winless games but also to jump to the fourth spot with 31 points and Mumbai City FC with a crucial win over NorthEast United FC became the first team to register 100 victories in ISL.  Following the loss the hosts now occupy the fifth position with 29 points in 20 games.

Playing their first game at the new venue, hosts NorthEast United FC made their presence felt early on. The duo of Macarton Nickson and Alaaeddine Ajaraie combined well from the left side of the field in the final third. Nickson capatalised on a hasty clearance by the Mumbai City FC backline and launched in a cross for prolific goal scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie (18 goals) at the centre. Ajaraie's misdirected header however flew over the post, depriving the Highlanders of a fine chance to get a lead in the eighth minute.

The 32-year forward Ajaraie came back to spell trouble for the Mumbai City FC defence five minutes later. Michel Zabaco spotted the forward at a formidable position right at the edge of the box and with a well directed pass found the Moroccan whose attempt however missed the target to the left.

Probing the visitors defense through an array of offensive options be it sustained build-up or relying on fast counters the Mumbai outfit soaked up the pressure well and even survived a narrow miss following Ajaraie strike inside the box whose attempt missed the target by a whisker.

Ajaraie assist for Nestor Albiach with a slick through ball just two minutes later, and the later feeble shot from the middle of the box was saved by the local boy Phurba Lachenpa much to the relief of his team mates in Blue.

It was a moment of absolute brilliance by Brandon Fernandes after receiving a pass from Chhangte on the right flank that turned things around. An well directed floated cross by the attacking midfielder found another local hero Bipin Singh from North East, who put in a thumping header into the top right corner of the net to get the Islanders the crucial 1-0 advantage four minutes before the half time.

Chhangte kept pressing up the intensity for the visitors soon after the change of ends. He spotted Hmingthanmawia Ralte in a pocket of space on the right flank and served him a chance, which was shot right into the middle of the goal in the 47th minute.

Two minutes later, Buanthanglun Samte crossed in a delivery for Nickson following a corner, which the latter received at a slightly difficult angle but his attempt was cleared by the crowded Mumbai City FC defense.  Nickson headed pass for compatriot Jithin MS, but was shot above the top right corner by the attacker.

In the added time of the second half, Mumbai City FC struck a rapid counter attack, which Tiri capped off with a superb pass for the fleet footed  Chhangte who slotted it into the bottom right corner from the middle of the 18-yard area to round off a hard fought 2-0 win.

The fact that the  Highlanders took 17 shots as compared to five by the Islanders, symbolised the latters moments of efficiency in the game, after having held to a 0-0 draw by East Bengal at their home base in Mumbai in their previous league encounter in which they had dominated.

Mumbai City FC will play their next game against former champions FC Goa in a Western Derby on 12th February, whereas NorthEast United FC are set to feature against Jamshedpur FC on 13th February.

Result:
Mumbai City FC 2 (Bipin Singh 41’, Lallianzuala Chhangte 90+2’) beat NorthEast United FC 0. (HT 1-0)

Photo Cover: MCFC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte  celebrates after scoring the second goal against NEUFC during Match No 122 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong (Photos courtesy ISL)

Photo Above: Brandon Fernandes of MCFC pass paved the way for local boy Bipin Singh (not in photo) scoring the first goal of the match