NorthEast United FC Seek Back-to-Back Home Wins Against Odisha FC NorthEast United FC will look to extend their winning streak at home when they take on Odisha FC in an Indian Super League encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday. The match is set for a 5 PM kickoff, marking a crucial test for both teams as they aim to strengthen their positions in the league table. The Highlanders enter the game on a positive note following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC, which bolstered their confidence ahead of the clash. In contrast, Odisha FC will be seeking redemption after a 5-1 setback against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their previous match. The defeat highlighted the challenges they face in maintaining consistency, particularly against stronger opponents. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali expressed his team’s focus ahead of the match, emphasizing the need to stick to their strategic approach despite limited preparation time. He acknowledged Odisha FC as a formidable opponent, noting their ability to capitalize on transitions and posing a threat in open play. Benali also praised the attacking contributions of India U-23 forward Parthib Gogoi, who has been pivotal in the team’s offensive efforts alongside Jithin MS, Danny Laishram, Thoi Singh, and new signings Lalrinzuala and Lalbiakdika. The coach reiterated that collective success remains the priority, downplaying individual achievements. Midfielder Bekey Oram, who participated in the pre-match media session, shared his perspective on facing his home-state club. While recognizing his roots in Odisha, Oram reaffirmed his commitment to NorthEast United FC, stating that his loyalty lies with his current team once he steps onto the field.#north_east_united_fc #juan_pedro_benali #odisha_fc #indira_gandhi_athletic_stadium #parthib_gogoi
ISL: Punjab FC Seek Consecutive Wins Against NorthEast United FC Punjab FC aims to extend their winning streak as they prepare to face NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 on March 9. The match, set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, marks a crucial encounter for both teams. Punjab FC, currently ninth in the league table with three points from two matches, will look to build on their recent 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC. NorthEast United, meanwhile, remains winless in the league after drawing 1-1 with Mumbai City FC in their last fixture. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis emphasized the team’s focus on holistic development, stating that their training regimen aims to enhance players’ physical, technical, tactical, and mental abilities. He also highlighted the importance of adapting strategies to counter their opponents, ensuring players are prepared for the challenges of real-game scenarios. Dilmperis praised NorthEast United’s intensity and attacking style, noting their young squad’s determination to establish themselves in Indian football. NorthEast United’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, acknowledged the difficulties posed by their fourth consecutive away game. He admitted that frequent travel reduces recovery and training time but stressed the team’s commitment to delivering results. Benali praised his players for their dedication to the club and the support from the staff and management, which he said is vital for inspiring performances. The two teams have a history of four encounters in the ISL, with each securing one win and two draws. Their most recent meeting in January 2025 ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Khaimingthang Lhungdim scoring for their respective sides.#jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #punjab_fc #panagiotis_dilmperis #north_east_united_fc #juan_pedro_benali
Calm mind, sharp finish: NorthEast United coach Benali on scoring goals Guwahati, Mar 8: Scoring a goal may look simple on the football field, but for NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali, it is an art shaped more by the mind than by the foot. The Highlanders have scored only twice in their first three Indian Super League (ISL) matches this season. The numbers highlight the void left by Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who netted 23 goals in 25 appearances last season before moving on loan to Indonesian club Persija Jakarta. Benali admitted that the absence of Ajaraie and Spaniard Nunez Chema has affected the team’s attacking output. “Of course we are missing Alaaeddine and Chema. Between them, they scored around 75% of the goals in the Super Cup and Durand Cup,” he said. “When you take out 75% of the goals from a team, it is not only that you do not score. You also create less danger for the other teams, hold the ball less and win fewer set pieces.” Replacing such influence is never easy, he added. “You cannot replace Alaaeddine or Chema easily. Now we have other players and we try to improve them, but we cannot put too much pressure on them.” For Benali, the difference between a prolific striker and an ordinary one often lies in a single quality—calmness. “In football, scoring goals is very expensive,” Benali said, reflecting on the art of finishing. “One of the most important things to learn is calmness. Sometimes you see players in front of goal and they just blast the ball everywhere without control. Why? Because of anxiety in front of goal; the anxiety to score.” He believes that composure in the decisive moment separates elite forwards from the rest. “That is the difference between a top-level striker and a normal striker.#juan_pedro_benali #north_east_united #alaaeddine_ajaraie #nunez_chema #persija_jakarta
