NorthEast United FC got their first win in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 defeating I-League side Shillong Lajong 2-1 on Monday. After coming from behind to defeat Shillong Lajong and take the lead, NorthEast United FC was able to secure a victory thanks to two goals from Nestor Albiach in the second half. If the Highlanders had taken advantage of their chances, they may have won the game by a big margin. There were plenty of chances created by NorthEast United FC on both wings throughout the exciting first half.
In the third minute of play, Redeem Tlang had the first chance of the match, but he was unable to convert an open goal from close range. Romain Philippoteaux had another good opportunity a few minutes later, but the Shillong Lajong FC defense stopped him. In the seventeenth minute, Douglas Rosa Tardin’s accurate right-footed shot into the bottom right corner gave the I-League squad an early lead against the run of play, breaking the tie. Daniel Goncalves’ header from a set-piece gave Shillong Lajong FC a good chance in the 27th minute, but it struck the crossbar; otherwise, the Reds may have taken a comfortable two-goal lead.
Juan Pedro Benali’s team made up for their first-half errors in the second half. From the first minute of the second half, the Highlanders launched a barrage of attacks, and in the 59th, they scored the goal they needed to equalize. With an inch-perfect cross from Philippoteaux into the box, Nestor Albiach easily found the back of the goal. In the 65th minute, Pursunep’s tackle of Macarton Louis Nickson from behind earned NorthEast United FC a penalty. Albiach scored the spot kick with ease, providing his team with a vital one-goal advantage.
Renan Paulino got the last chance to tie the game in the 97th minute, but he was unable to keep his free kick from well beyond the box on target. On Saturday, Benali’s team will square off against Kerala Blasters FC in an attempt to close out their cup campaigns with a victory.
