The Highlanders sealed their position in the quarter finals of the Durand Cup 2024 after pinning down the young Odisha side led by Amit Rana in their last group game. The contest culminated in a commanding 5-1 victory for the home side. It was a comprehensive win for the team led by Spanish tactician Juan Pedro Benali, who significantly uplifted the morale and mentality of the squad that unites the Northeast. Jithin MS and Bemammer were standout performers, with the Thrissur-born winger maintaining his golden form this season, while Bemammer provided exceptional solidity in midfield.
Juan deployed his side in his trademark 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bemammer partnering the new signing, Mayakkanan, in the midfield pivot. Hamza Regragui, Nestor Albiach, and the recently added Moroccan winger, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, also started the game. On the flip side, Odisha fielded an all-Indian contingent, with experienced players like captain Lalliansanga Rentheli and Givson Singh anchoring the midfield to dictate the game. Although they began with the same formation as the opposition, their shape gradually shifted to a 4-4-2 as the match progressed.
The game quickly picked up pace from the start as Northeast United FC pressed high up the field, while the young guns of Odisha attempted to keep possession. Both teams tried to create danger with some vague attempts, but it was Northeast who broke the deadlock. Jithin capitalized on a defense-splitting overhead ball from Mayakkanan and finished with elegance.
Northeast United asserted their dominance with threatening long passes and balls, which became increasingly difficult for Odisha to handle. NEUFC utilized short passes and a one-touch game to build up play and progress the ball forward, but the match swung in their favor when they gave Odisha no time to maintain possession.
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On one occasion, their pressing and intelligent marking opened up another opportunity for Jithin MS, who slotted in a rebound from his earlier shot, doubling the score to 2-0. Northeast remained resolute in maintaining their defensive shape, with four players keeping the backline solid, while Bemammer and Mayakkanan proved too formidable for the young Odisha side to break down. The first half ended with a 2-0 scoreline, despite both teams having clinical chances that ultimately went off target.
Things changed in the opening minutes of the second half as Odisha gradually found their rhythm, managing to breach Northeast United FC’s resilient defense, which became even stronger with the introduction of Zabacco. Odisha tightened up their midfield, preventing their opponents from exploiting space, but a costly mistake led to an own goal, adding another to Northeast’s tally.
Ankit missed a golden opportunity in the 61st minute, but NEUFC quickly redeemed themselves when Paogoumang Singson fired a stunning shot into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-1. Odisha FC enjoyed a brief period of dominance afterward but failed to capitalize on the chances they created.
Northeast United FC registered a total of 16 shots, with 5 on target, demonstrating their precision in front of goal. In contrast, Odisha managed only 1 shot on target out of 7 attempts. Bemammer was instrumental in creating the most chances, dictating the pace and control of the game, and stood out as one of the match’s top performers alongside Jithin MS.
Guillermo and Thoi Singh, both of whom came on in the second half, etched their names on the scoresheet in the 76th and 85th minutes, respectively, capping off a 5-star performance for the home team and securing their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
It was a scintillating display from the Spaniard-coached side, firmly establishing themselves as strong contenders for the coveted Durand Cup title. It remains to be seen who will eventually face NorthEast United FC, but with their caliber and mentality, there’s no doubt they’ll be a formidable opponent.
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