Bhubaneswar: A brilliant brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie and a goal by Guillermo Fernandez powered NorthEast United FC defeated Odisha FC by 3-2 goals in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. With the win NorthEast FC pocketed three points,
NorthEast United FC’s attacking quartet of Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS and Ajaraie tormented the Odisha FC defenders with their marauding runs and exceptional understanding.
Despite the early flourish, Odisha FC did well to absorb the pressure but Ajaraie had other ideas. The hosts were eventually rewarded for their start when the Moroccan combined with Parthib and found a pocket of space just outside the penalty area. Ajaraie pulled the trigger from distance after taking a couple of touches, beating Amrinder Singh all ends up and handing NorthEast United FC the lead in the 12th minute.
Nonetheless, Ajaraie eventually completed his brace courtesy of NorthEast United FC’s sensational high-press. Mohammed Bemammer won possession in midfield and squared it to Jithin in space. He took a couple of touches before spraying it for Ajaraie in space on the left. With only Amrinder left to beat, the Moroccan made no mistake in doubling the lead in the 40th minute.
The changes did work in Odisha FC’s favour as they pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when two of their substitutes - Gama and Boumous combined to break down the Highlanders’ defence. Gama treaded a brilliant through ball towards Boumous, who dribbled past a couple of defenders before slotting it past Gurmeet Singh between the sticks.
The goal swayed the momentum in Odisha FC’s favour as they kept pushing forward in search of more goals. With the substitutes providing the energy needed on the field.
However, the game changed completely when Juan Pedro Benali decided to look towards his bench. He brought on Guillermo Fernandez to add more presence in attack for the Highlanders. The Spaniard, who hasn’t been at his best this season kept his coach’s faith by slotting home the third goal from Ajaraie's cross, against the run of play, in the 71st minute.
The last 10 minutes of the game saw Odisha FC throw the bodies forward and they deservedly pulled a goal back through Mauricio’s exceptional freekick in the 83rd minute. Despite Odisha FC’s late surge, Juan Pedro Benali’s men managed to hold their fort with aplomb and bagged their third win of the ongoing season.
