ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United eases past Hyderabad FC to move fourth

NorthEast United FC completed the league double over Hyderabad FC with a 4-1 victory at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Wednesday.

The Highlanders took an early lead courtesy of a goal from Guillermo Fernandez while Alaaeddine Ajaraie extended the lead at the stroke of half-time with a free-kick.

While Hyderabad FC did pose a threat in the second half with Manoj Mohammed pulling a goal back, it wasn’t enough as Asheer Akhtar and Mohammed Bemammer scored late goals to seal maximum points at home. This was the first win in the last five matches for the Highlanders this season. The other four were draws.

After applying pressure in the opening moments of the game, the host was soon rewarded when Guillermo capitalised on a defensive error from Abdul Rabeeh and slotted the ball past Arshdeep Singh to hand NorthEast United FC the lead in the 17th minute.

That lead doubled in the 45th minute when Ajaraie hammered a direct free-kick past Arshdeep and nestled it into the roof of the net.

After the break, Hyderabad FC was back in the game when Manoj slotted the ball home from a free-kick delivered by Chhunga Hmar in the 70th minute. The Highlanders failed to clear their lines while Manoj found the back of the net once more.

NorthEast United regained its two-goal advantage courtesy of a header from Asheer Akhtar in the 79th minute.

Ajaraie attempted a shot from a Nestor corner but was denied by Arshdeep. However, the rebound landed in Asheer’s path and the onrushing defender headed it home.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer found the fourth goal for the Highlanders with a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 89th minute to seal the win for the host.