NorthEast United FC defeat Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-0 in their IFA Shield opener to advance to the knockouts.
DIMAPUR — NorthEast United FC began their IFA Shield campaign with a 3-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Barasat Stadium in their debut appearance in the competition on Saturday, securing qualification for the knockout stage.
According to a press release, Jithin MS scored the opening goal for NorthEast United FC before Danny Laishram doubled the advantage, followed by a third from Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the second half.
The Highlanders opened the scoring seven minutes into the contest when Asheer found Jithin with a long ball on the wing. Following a return wall pass from Alaaeddine, Jithin finished into the bottom right corner.
Sreenidi Deccan attempted to respond, but NorthEast United maintained possession. Sreenidi Deccan were forced into an early substitution in the 24th minute when Arshaf went down injured, leading to Danny coming on.
Danny scored in the 32nd minute, two minutes after coming onto the pitch, to double the lead before the interval. Just before half-time, Parthib came on to replace Jithin.
NorthEast United continued to control the tempo after the restart. Sreenidi Deccan's attempts to find a way back were met by the Highlanders' defence, with goalkeeper Gurmeet saving an Olympic goal attempt to keep a clean sheet.
The third goal came in the 59th minute when Parthib set up Alaaeddine, who converted to make it 3-0, taking his goal tally for NorthEast United to 49.
NorthEast United nearly added a fourth in the 73rd minute when Ethyan drove into the penalty area and laid the ball off for Rabeeh, whose right-footed strike hit the post.
The team made a triple substitution in the 74th minute, with Tondonba replacing Mark, Redeem coming on for Rabeeh, and Nikola replacing Ethyan.
NorthEast United will face Mohun Bagan in their second group-stage match on September 29.