Kokrajhar: NorthEast United FC secured their place in the knockout stages of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup with a resounding 5-1 victory over Odisha FC at the SAI Stadium. The win ensured the Highlanders topped Group E with a perfect record of nine points from three matches, while Odisha FC ended their campaign with three points.
Jithin M.S was the star of the match, scoring a brace within the first 20 minutes to put NorthEast United in control. Guillermo Fernandez and Thoi Singh also found the back of the net, and an own goal by Odisha FC’s Tankadhar Bag added to the tally. Paogoumang Singson scored the lone consolation goal for Odisha FC.
The match saw NorthEast United’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, field a strong and experienced lineup, reflecting the importance of securing a knockout berth. Odisha FC, led by Amit Rana, featured a young squad eager to finish the tournament on a high note.
The game started brightly for NorthEast United, with Jithin M.S scoring twice in quick succession. His first goal came from a well-timed through ball that he expertly finished past the onrushing Odisha goalkeeper. Moments later, Jithin capitalized on a defensive error by Odisha, doubling his tally and giving NorthEast United an early 2-0 lead.
Despite having better possession stats in the first half, Odisha FC struggled to create clear-cut chances, while NorthEast United looked dangerous with every attack. The second half saw a rejuvenated Odisha FC, but NorthEast United soon extended their lead with an own goal from Tankadhar Bag, who inadvertently turned a Thoi Singh cross into his own net.
Odisha FC had their best spell of the match shortly after, with Paogoumang Singson scoring a stunning long-range strike to reduce the deficit. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Guillermo Fernandez added a fourth goal for NorthEast United, calmly slotting the ball past the Odisha goalkeeper after being set up by Moroccan striker Ajaraie.
The Highlanders completed the rout with a fifth goal, as Thoi Singh found the net following a brilliant assist from Mohammed Ali Bemmamer. The victory marked NorthEast United’s second consecutive year advancing to the knockout stages of the Durand Cup.
All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) and livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform, allowing fans to follow the action as the competition heats up.