Football

Important to have the fans behind us: NorthEast United FC’s Asheer Akhtar

NorthEast United FC defender Ashneer Akhtar said it is important to have fans backing in the forthcoming season of the Indian Super League.  The Highlanders finished the Indian Super League 2023-24 season in seventh place in the standings with six wins in 22 games and thus could not seal their playoff place.

The club was able to turn the tables in the recently concluded season after finishing as the cellar dwellers in the 2022-23 edition

Meanwhile, Akhtar signed for NorthEast United from Sreenidi Deccan FC and he will look to deliver the goods for Juan Pedro Benali’s team.

NorthEast United FC topped Group E in the Durand Group and will next take on Indian Army FT on Wednesday in the quarter-final clash.

After securing a convincing 5-1 win against Odisha FC, Akhtar said, “This was an important game for us to win and book our spot in the quarter-finals. We have been putting our best effort in all of the games so far and being in the quarters, we have to put in more hard work.

“Having qualified for the quarter-finals for consecutive seasons, we have a good challenge ahead of us. Being a knock-out game the opposition and the competition will be tougher. We have to prepare more and correct our mistakes to be ready for the challenge in the quarter-final,” he further added. 

The center-back added that the Durand Cup is helping them prepare for the upcoming season.

Speaking on the historic tournament’s role in preparing themselves, the centre-back said, “Durand Cup being the kick-starter of the Indian Football season helps us to prepare well for the long season ahead. It also helps us to set up a camaraderie among the players on and off the field. As a team, playing these competitive matches in the Durand Cup makes you ready for the ISL.”

He then went on to speak about the fan’s unwavering support in Kokrajhar and said, “Wherever we have played, be it Guwahati or Kokrajhar, the fans have been there for us. They motivate us, keep cheering for us and help us when we are down and as players, it is really important for us to have the fans behind us. In Kokrajhar too, we have had continuous support from the fans and it is nice to see the fans across NorthEast support us.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Dinesh Karthik hails support staff after IPL 2025 final win against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik hailed the team’s think tank after they clinched a… Read More

June 4, 2025

IPL 2025: List of all awards after RCB win maiden title

RCB clinched their maiden IPL title after defeating Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 final by… Read More

June 4, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in RCB’s IPL 2025 win

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Rajat Patidar’s captaincy after RCB clinched their maiden… Read More

June 4, 2025

Injury Blow for Malvika Bansod as She Retires Hurt at Indonesia Open

Indian badminton star Malvika Bansod’s campaign at the Indonesia Open 2025 came to a heartbreaking… Read More

June 4, 2025

RCB Finally Breaks the Curse, Clinches Maiden IPL Title in Nail-Biting Final

After 17 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and relentless hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finally… Read More

June 4, 2025

East Bengal Target Abhishek Tekcham Singh as Rebuild Begins; Melroy Assisi Set for Diamond Harbour FC Switch

Promising Indian defender Abhishek Tekcham Singh is poised to join East Bengal ahead of the… Read More

June 4, 2025