NorthEast United FC’s unbeaten streak ends with 2-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 8, 2025

NorthEast United FC fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Mumbai City FC that ended their eight-match unbeaten streak in the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here in Shillong on Friday.

The game marked the first instance of the ISL being played in the capital of Meghalaya and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma was present for the match.

Bipin Singh (41’) and Lallianzuala Chhangte (90+2’) were on the scoresheet for the visitors. The result means are now fifth in the league standing with 29 points from 20 games.

“We did everything but they got the points. However, the most important thing is we must look forward to the next game and I  am proud of the team for their performance,” head coach Juan Pedro Benali, said after the match.

In a stadium packed with over 14,000 fans, NorthEast United FC started the game on a front foot. Macarton Nickson picked up a ball in the final third that had stayed in and put a cross in. Alaaeddine Ajaraie jumped above Mumbai City FC’s defence but his header flew just over the crossbar.

Combining with Jithin MS and Nestor Albiach, Macaron and Ajaraie continued to hassle the Mumbai backline with waves of attack. However, it was Mumbai City FC who took the lead into the break, through Bipin Singh’s header.

In the second half as well, cheered by the home crowd, NorthEast United FC continued to create chances with Mayakkannan and Mohammed Ali Bemammer pulling the strings but were unlucky to not to find an equaliser. At the other, marshalled by captain Michel Zabaco, the backline of Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar and Buanthanglun Samte did not allow Mumbai City a sniff at Gurmeet Singh’s goal. In the additional time of the second half, opposition skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte added the second for Mumbai City FC.

NorthEast United FC next face Jamshedpur FC away on 13 February 2025.