All eyes will be on NorthEast United forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie when the Highlanders host Jamshedpur FC in a crucial playoff clash in Shillong, with a semi-final spot against Mohun Bagan at stake. The Moroccan attacker has been in outstanding form, scoring four goals in just two ISL games against Jamshedpur FC.
Another brace would make him only the third player in the league history to score twice in a match three times against the same opponent, joining Bartholomew Ogbeche (vs Odisha FC) and Roy Krishna (vs Jamshedpur FC). Ajaraie has enjoyed one of the finest seasons in the ISL history, scoring 24 goals and providing 7 assists. How Jamshedpur FC handles Alaaeddine’s threat in the box could very well determine the outcome of this high-stakes match.
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Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC has had a poor defensive record this season, conceding 35 goals in open play, the second-most by any team in a single ISL campaign. Facing the second-highest goal scorers (NorthEast United FC – 46 goals) in the league could prove to be a daunting task for the visitors.
The Highlanders finished fourth in the league standings with 38 points from 24 matches, securing 10 wins and 8 draws. Jamshedpur FC finished fifth, also earning 38 points from the same number of matches, and now both teams will be targeting a spot in the semi-finals.
NorthEast United FC enters this fixture on a four-match unbeaten run against Jamshedpur FC (W3 D1), their joint-longest such streak against the Red Miners. This will also be the first-ever playoff meeting between these two teams in the ISL history.
Highlanders’ New Home – A Challenging Venue So Far
This will be Juan Pedro Benali’s side’s fourth ISL match at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. However, they have only managed one win in their last three games at the venue, which came against a second-string East Bengal side. They lost to both Mumbai and Bengaluru by a 2-0 margin.
The stadium has also made headlines due to the slippery pitch conditions, which have caused difficulties for players, as seen in both ISL games and the India versus Bangladesh international fixture. It will be interesting to see whether the Highlanders can overcome these challenges and make this playoff outing a memorable one.
Head-to-Head
NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC have faced each other 16 times in the history of ISL. The Highlanders have won four of those encounters, while the Red Miners have won six. Six matches have ended in draws.
Players to Watch Out For
NorthEast United FC:
- Nestor Albiach (11 goals) is just two goals away from becoming NorthEast United FC’s second-highest goal-scorer in ISL’s history. The 32-year-old has scored six times and provided one assist in the current campaign.
- Jithin MS (2 goals and 5 assists) has been a constant threat with his pace, down the flanks. He has been creating problems for opponents in the attacking third.
Jamshedpur FC:
- Javi Siverio has netted six goals for Jamshedpur FC in ISL 2024-25. He has also provided 22 key passes and made 107 touches inside the opposition’s box.
- Javi Hernandez, the midfield maestro, has scored 7 goals and contributed 3 assists so far this season. Coach Khalid Jamil relies heavily on the Spanish midfielder to dictate the team’s play from the middle of the park.
Coach’s Comments
Juan Pedro Benali (NorthEast United FC head coach): “We need to convert our opportunities,” said Benali, outlining his team’s objective for the knockout match. “We need to be prepared, not make excuses, and capitalize on every chance we get. We must remain focused and stop Jamshedpur FC’s special style of play.”
Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC head coach): “We are very happy to be playing in Shillong,” said Jamil. “The football culture here is incredible. The stadium looks fantastic, the crowd support is amazing, and we are excited to secure a positive result.”
Also Read: Macarton Nickson: NorthEast’s Unsung Hero on a Journey in his Father’s Footsteps
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