NorthEast United Cruise Past Mohammedan Sporting to End ISL Season in Style

NorthEast United FC brought the curtains down on their Indian Super League campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating already relegated Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 in front of their home fans in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Goals from Jairo Samperio and Dinesh Singh Soraisham ensured the Highlanders ended the season on a positive note, climbing to ninth place in the standings with 16 points. For Mohammedan Sporting, however, the defeat summed up a disappointing campaign that ended with relegation and without a single victory throughout the season.

The visitors showed early intent and nearly stunned the hosts in the 13th minute when Thokchom Adison Singh burst down the right flank before cutting inside and firing towards the near post. A slight deflection, though, made the effort comfortable for goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan .

NorthEast gradually tightened their grip on the contest and found the breakthrough in the 19th minute through a well executed set piece. Jithin’s inswinging corner found Jairo at the near post, and the Spaniard expertly guided his header into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.

Mohammedan continued to search for a response, with Adison once again threatening after a clever pass from Makan Chothe , but his curling effort drifted wide.

The Highlanders nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Jairo’s powerful header struck the outside of the post. Moments later, NorthEast finally got their second goal. Following a short corner routine, Andres Jose Rodriguez Gaitan laid the ball into the path of Dinesh, whose long range strike took a decisive deflection before nestling into the net. The midfielder celebrated passionately with head coach Juan Pedro Benali after scoring his maiden ISL goal.

NorthEast remained in complete control after the break and continued to push forward despite their comfortable lead. Chances fell to Thoi Singh Huidrom , Robin Yadav , and Gaitan, but the hosts were unable to add a third.

Jairo also came close late in the game with a quick snapshot from the edge of the area, but Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka gathered safely.

Despite missing several opportunities, the Highlanders comfortably managed the closing stages and signed off their season with a confident and commanding home victory, giving their supporters something to cheer about at the end of an inconsistent campaign.