ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United eases past Hyderabad FC to move fourth

ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United eases past Hyderabad FC to move fourth

NorthEast United FC completed the league double over Hyderabad FC with a 4-1 victory at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Wednesday.

The Highlanders took an early lead courtesy of a goal from Guillermo Fernandez while Alaaeddine Ajaraie extended the lead at the stroke of half-time with a fantastic free-kick.

Hyderabad FC did pose some threat in the second half with Manoj Mohammed pulling a goal back, it wasn’t enough as Asheer Akhtar and Mohammed Bemammer scored late goals to seal maximum points at home. This was the first win in the last five matches for the Highlanders this season (D4).

After applying pressure in the opening moments of the game, the host was soon rewarded when Guillermo capitalised on a defensive error from Abdul Rabeeh and slotted it past Arshdeep Singh to hand NorthEast United FC the lead in the 17th minute.

NorthEast United FC’s sustained pressure saw it double the lead right before half-time in the 45th minute when Ajaraie hammered a direct free-kick past Arshdeep and nestled it into the roof of the net with sheer power.

After the break, Hyderabad FC was back in the game when Manoj Mohammed slotted it home from a free-kick delivered by Chhunga Hmar in the 70th minute. It was an exceptional delivery into the danger area and the Highlanders failed to clear their lines. It popped up nicely for Manoj who slammed it home.

However, Hyderabad FC’s joy was shortlived as NorthEast United FC regained a two-goal advantage courtesy of a headed goal from Asheer Akhtar in the 79th minute. Nestor delivered a brilliant ball from a corner and Ajaraie hammered it home but the Moroccan was denied by Arshdeep. However, the rebound landed in Asheer’s path and the onrushing defender headed it home.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer found the fourth goal for the Highlanders with a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 89th minute to seal the win for the host.