Shillong, Feb 7: The much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) debut in Shillong ended in disappointment for NorthEast United FC as they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.
Despite the chilly evening, the Highlanders started with intensity, creating multiple scoring chances early on. Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the league’s top scorer, came close in the 8th minute with a powerful header that sailed just over the bar. The Highlanders dominated much of the first half, but their inability to convert chances proved costly.
Mumbai City capitalized on their opportunity just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Brandon Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross, and Bipin Singh made no mistake, smashing the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.
The second half saw Mumbai City grow into the game, testing NEUFC’s defence with long-range efforts. The Highlanders had a golden opportunity in the 54th minute, but Phurba Lachenpa’s sharp reflexes denied Buanthanglun Samte an equalizer. Mumbai nearly doubled their lead in the 74th minute, but Jorge Ortiz Mendoza’s unselfish pass to Bipin went to waste as the latter was caught offside.
With the clock winding down and home fans chanting for a goal, NEUFC pushed forward but failed to break Mumbai’s solid defence. In stoppage time, Lallianzuala Chhangte sealed the deal, sprinting past defenders and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
The win helps the Islanders to secured fourth place with 31 points from 19 matches, while NEUFC slipped to fifth with 29 points from 20 games.
Despite the loss, the energy in the stadium remained electric, with 14,300 fans cheering nonstop for the entire 90 minutes.
Adding to the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was in attendance and greeted the players before kickoff.
