NorthEast United End Season on Positive Note With Comfortable Win Over Mohammedan Sporting

NorthEast United FC signed off their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday evening.

Goals from experienced Spanish forward Jairo Samperio and youngster Dinesh Singh Soraisham ensured the Highlanders ended the season on a winning note in front of their home fans. The result lifted NorthEast United to ninth place in the table with 16 points, while Mohammedan Sporting finished bottom of the standings with just three points and without a single victory throughout the campaign.

While the match may not have had playoff implications, it still carried significance for both sides trying to conclude difficult seasons positively. NorthEast United, under Juan Pedro Benali, showed greater attacking sharpness and composure throughout the evening, whereas Mohammedan Sporting once again displayed effort but lacked the cutting edge required at this level.

The opening stages saw both teams approach the game with attacking intent. Mohammedan Sporting attempted to use the flanks effectively, with Rochharzela and Thokchom Adison Singh looking dangerous during transitions. NorthEast, meanwhile, relied heavily on the creativity and movement of Jithin M.S, who was influential throughout the contest.

Mohammedan created the first meaningful opportunity in the 13th minute when Adison Singh made a strong run into the penalty area before attempting a low strike at the near post. However, the effort took a deflection and was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan. NorthEast gradually grew into the match and were rewarded in the 19th minute through a well-executed set-piece routine. Jithin delivered an inswinging corner into the near-post area, where Jairo rose highest to guide a header into the far corner beyond Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka.

The goal settled the Highlanders and allowed them to control the tempo more effectively. Mohammedan Sporting continued to threaten occasionally, especially through Adison, who remained their most lively attacking outlet. In the 26th minute, he was released brilliantly by Makan Chothe and drove into the box before attempting a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.

As the half progressed, NorthEast United’s attacking combinations became increasingly fluid. The home side repeatedly found space in wide areas, with Macarton Louis Nickson and Jithin sending dangerous deliveries into the box. Mohammedan’s defence managed to survive several threatening situations, but the pressure continued to build. Jairo nearly scored his second goal in the 39th minute after meeting a superb cross from captain Ngasepam Tondonba Singh, only to see his header clip the outside of the post.

The Highlanders finally doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time. After Andres Jose Rodriguez Gaitan’s free-kick rattled the crossbar following a slight touch from Deka, NorthEast capitalised from the resulting corner. A cleverly worked short-corner routine allowed Dinesh Singh Soraisham space outside the box, and his deflected strike found the back of the net for his maiden ISL goal.

The emotional celebration between Dinesh and head coach Juan Pedro Benali reflected the significance of the moment, especially for a young player trying to establish himself at the senior level.

NorthEast entered the second half firmly in control and continued to attack despite holding a two-goal lead. Jithin once again played a central role in creating chances, weaving through crowded areas and linking well with Gaitan and Thoi Singh Huidrom. Mohammedan Sporting struggled to sustain possession in advanced areas and rarely troubled NorthEast’s organised defensive structure. While the Kolkata-based club continued to show determination, the lack of quality in the final third remained a recurring problem throughout the season.

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NorthEast could easily have extended the margin further. In the 63rd minute, Jairo brilliantly headed a cross across goal instead of shooting himself, only for Gaitan to blaze his effort over the bar from close range. Even late in the game, the Highlanders continued to create openings. Jairo had one final opportunity in the 88th minute after receiving the ball at the edge of the box under pressure, but his weaker-foot effort lacked power and was comfortably collected by Deka.

For NorthEast United, the victory extended their unbeaten run and provided a much-needed positive finish after an inconsistent campaign. Although missing out on the playoffs will remain disappointing, the performances of younger Indian players and the team’s improved attacking identity in the latter stages of the season offer reasons for optimism moving forward.

For Mohammedan Sporting, however, the season ends with serious questions. Relegation had already been confirmed earlier, and failing to register a single win across the campaign highlights the scale of challenges facing the club ahead of next season. Despite moments of spirit and commitment, the step up to ISL level ultimately proved too difficult.

NorthEast United, meanwhile, will hope this strong finish becomes the foundation for a far more competitive campaign next year.