Odisha FC Dominates NorthEast United with 4-1 Victory in ISL Clash
Odisha FC Secures First Win of the Season
Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 20: Odisha FC achieved a convincing 4-1 win against NorthEast United FC during the Indian Super League 2025-26 match held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday.
Rahul KP opened the scoring for Odisha FC early in the match, but NorthEast United quickly equalized through Macarton Nickson. However, debutant Subham Bhattacharya restored Odisha's lead before halftime, as per reports.
The Highlanders faced a setback when right-back Muthu Mayakkannan received a red card in the first half. Rahul KP then netted his second goal in the second half, followed by an own goal from Bekey Oram.
This victory marked Odisha's first win of the season, elevating them to ninth place in the standings with five points and two games in hand, while NorthEast United remained in seventh with six points. Rahul KP was named Player of the Match for his two goals.
NorthEast United's head coach Juan Pedro Benali made a single change to his starting lineup, introducing Asheer Akhtar for Miquel Zabaco. Meanwhile, Odisha FC's coach T.G. Purushothaman made two adjustments, giving a debut to 19-year-old left-back Subham Bhattacharya and bringing in midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte.
Odisha made their mark in the sixth minute due to a defensive error from the hosts. Striker Rahim Ali pressured NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, allowing the ball to fall to Rahul, who finished with ease.
NorthEast United responded quickly, with Parthib Gogoi making a run down the left side and assisting Macarton Nickson, who equalized with a composed right-footed shot from inside the box.
Both teams had opportunities in an open game, with NorthEast's attackers facing blocked shots, while Odisha threatened through right winger Isak Vanlalruatfela. A crucial goal-line clearance from midfielder Lalthathanga Khawlhring denied NorthEast during this period.
Odisha regained the lead in the 24th minute thanks to debutant Subham. Following a corner from Isak, Rahim flicked the ball into the danger zone, where Subham reacted swiftly to slot it into the bottom-right corner, making it 2-1.
The challenge for NorthEast United intensified in the 36th minute when Muthu Mayakkannan was sent off for a foul on Rahul KP. The hosts struggled to create clear chances as Odisha took a 2-1 lead into halftime.
NorthEast started the second half aggressively, seeking an equalizer, but Odisha's defense held strong. Rahul KP nearly increased his tally on a counterattack in the 52nd minute but couldn't find a teammate with his final pass.
Odisha gradually took control of the match, capitalizing on their numerical advantage. In the 65th minute, Rahul KP found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and finished confidently to extend the lead to 3-1.
Just three minutes later, the visitors scored again. A cross from right-back Vanlalzuidika found Ali, who set up Isak, who struck the ball into the net. NorthEast's Bekey attempted to clear but inadvertently scored an own goal, making it 4-1 in the 68th minute.
Odisha continued to press, with Isak testing Gurmeet Singh from distance in the 72nd minute. NorthEast United tried to respond late in the match, but Thoi Singh and Asheer Akhtar both missed their chances.
Despite some late attempts from both sides, the score remained unchanged.
The final whistle confirmed a decisive 4-1 victory for Odisha FC, marking their first win of the season, while NorthEast United FC faced a challenging home defeat.