NorthEast United FC bid farewell to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a triumphant note, securing a convincing 3-0 win against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.
The Highlanders put up a commendable performance against the formidable Odisha FC, despite falling short of qualifying for the playoffs. Odisha FC suffered their third defeat in five games, concluding the league season with 39 points. They will now be contending in the playoffs for a chance to secure a spot in the semi-final.
The Highlanders, who finished at the bottom of the table in the 2022-23 season, conclude this campaign in seventh place with 26 points from 22 matches. The Highlanders displayed a precise performance, with young forward Parthib Gogoi initiating the scoring in this commanding display.
In the 24th minute, Pranjil Bhumij, an attacker for Odisha FC, was fouled inside the 18-yard box, giving the Kalinga Warriors an opportunity to score a goal. However, when Roy Krishna took the penalty shot, it was saved by NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Mirshad Michu in the bottom left corner. This marked the first time that Krishna had missed a penalty in his Indian Super League (ISL) career, as he had successfully converted all of his previous 10 attempts. Unfortunately for the Kalinga Warriors, their failure to capitalize on this chance proved costly. In the added time of the first half, Phalguni Singh of NorthEast United FC scored a goal, increasing his team’s lead. Gogoi’s cross into the centre of the box was met by Phalguni, who successfully netted the ball, securing his team’s third goal of the match and giving them a significant advantage in the proceedings.
NorthEast United FC can find solace in the fact that they possess numerous encouraging aspects to construct upon in the upcoming season, while Odisha FC might question the reasons behind their previously flawless season gradually unravelling, particularly during such a crucial phase of the competition.
