NorthEast United FC Concludes ISL Season with Victory Over Mohammedan Sporting Club
NorthEast United FC Secures Final Win in ISL 2025-26
Guwahati (Assam) [India] - NorthEast United FC wrapped up their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season on a positive note, defeating the relegated Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Jairo Samperio and Dinesh Singh Soraisham propelled the Highlanders to a ninth-place finish in the league, ending their campaign with a total of 16 points. In contrast, Mohammedan SC, who had already been confirmed for relegation earlier in the season, finished last with just three points and no wins, as reported.
The match started with both teams eager to attack, aiming to conclude the season on a high note. NorthEast's Jithin M S and Mohammedan's Rochharzela were particularly active on the flanks, attempting to create scoring opportunities with early crosses.
Mohammedan had the first significant chance in the 13th minute when Thokchom Adison Singh made a strong run down the right, cutting into the box for a low shot at the near post. However, his attempt deflected, allowing NorthEast goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan to make an easy save.
NorthEast took the lead in the 19th minute after sustained pressure in the Mohammedan penalty area. Jithin's inswinging corner found Jairo, who headed the ball across the goal into the far corner, leaving Nikhil Deka with no chance to respond.
Adison remained a constant threat for Mohammedan, nearly equalizing in the 26th minute after receiving a brilliant through ball from Makan Chothe. He maneuvered into the box but failed to find the target with his curling shot.
As the first half progressed, NorthEast began to control the game, creating several opportunities down the flanks. Macarton Louis Nickson and Jithin delivered dangerous crosses that kept the Mohammedan defense under pressure.
Jairo almost scored again in the 39th minute when he met a perfect cross from captain Ngasepam Tondonba Singh with a header, but it clipped the outside of the post and went out.
In first-half stoppage time, Andres Jose Rodriguez Gaitan came close to doubling the lead with a free-kick that grazed Deka's fingertips before hitting the crossbar.
NorthEast capitalized on the resulting corner with a well-executed short routine. Gaitan set up Dinesh, whose shot from outside the box took a deflection and found the net, prompting a jubilant celebration with head coach Juan Pedro Benali.
At halftime, NorthEast was firmly in control, despite Mohammedan having slightly more possession without creating significant chances.
After the break, NorthEast maintained their attacking momentum. They nearly scored a third in the 50th minute when Jithin maneuvered through defenders and passed to Gaitan, who set up Thoi Singh Huidrom, but the latter's shot hit the side-netting. Robin Yadav also came close later but missed from a promising position.
NorthEast played confidently, while Mohammedan struggled to break through their organized defense.
In the 63rd minute, NorthEast missed another opportunity when Jairo headed the ball across to an unmarked Gaitan, who unfortunately shot over the bar from close range.
Despite the scoreline, Mohammedan showed determination, but their efforts in the attacking third were thwarted by NorthEast's solid defense.
Jairo had one last chance in the 88th minute, receiving the ball at the edge of the box. He managed to get a shot off with his weaker foot, but it lacked power, allowing Deka to make a comfortable save.
NorthEast successfully managed the closing minutes to finish their season with a confident home victory, while Mohammedan's challenging ISL campaign concluded despite their spirited performance.