NorthEast United FC will face FC Goa in their Indian Super League clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
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DIMAPUR — NorthEast United FC will aim for a positive result when they face FC Goa in their Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday evening.
In their previous game, played in torrential rain, the Highlanders suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Mohun Bagan. Meanwhile, FC Goa beat Mumbai City FC 2-0 on home turf.
According to an update, NorthEast United FC’s Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali, will miss the game against FC Goa due to a suspension. In his absence, the team’s Indian Assistant Coach Amogh Adige will be on the touchline.
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At just 25 years and 240 days, Adige, who has also worked with the India U-23 national team, will become the youngest coach to lead a side on an ISL matchday, surpassing Noel Joseph’s record of 27 years and 256 days, set against NorthEast United FC earlier this month.
“Our focus is on getting three points against FC Goa. We have a very good set of staff. We will all be working together, leaning on each other’s experience to make the decisions that are in the best interest of the team,” Adige said.
“We will miss the presence of the head coach on the touchline. Our job as a staff is to make sure the players are ready for the game. The head coach has been with us throughout the training week, so nothing has changed in terms of match preparations,” he added.
Midfielder Mayakkannan expressed that the atmosphere in the team is positive and the players are fully focused on the next challenge. The 28-year-old from Tamil Nadu has established himself as one of the most imposing midfielders of the league since joining NorthEast United FC last season.
Alongside Mohammed Arshaf, Macarton Nickson, and Fredy Chawngthansanga, he will once again anchor NorthEast United FC’s midfield. Going forward, they will look to provide ammunition to the likes of Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, Lalrinzuala, Lalbiakdika, and Jairo Samperio.
At the other end of the field, Mayakkannan will also shield the backline of Redeem Tlang, Robin Yadav, Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte, Tondonba Singh, and Andy Rodriguez. Gurmeet Singh will continue to guard the goal.