NorthEast United FC claimed a vital 2-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday in their ISL 2024-25 clash. The match saw Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie etch his name into the history books, breaking the record for the most goals in a single ISL season with his stunning brace.
Ajaraie’s two-goal performance took his season tally to 20, surpassing the previous record of 18 set by Ferran Corominas (2017-18) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (2021-22). His efforts also helped NorthEast United secure their first-ever away win against Jamshedpur FC in ISL history.
With this victory, Juan Pedro Benali’s side climbed to fourth place in the league table, keeping their playoff hopes alive with 32 points from 21 matches.
NorthEast United wasted no time taking control of the match, finding the net within the first six minutes. A swift attacking move saw Redeem Tlang feed Thoi Singh on the right wing, who then delivered an early cross into the box. Ajaraie pounced on the opportunity, slotting the ball past Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes for his record-breaking 19th goal of the campaign.
Jamshedpur, led by coach Khalid Jamil, responded with aggressive attacking play. They controlled possession and pressed high, but their inability to break down NorthEast’s resilient defense proved costly. Parthib Sundar Gogoi nearly extended the visitors’ lead before halftime, but Albino Gomes made a crucial save to keep his team in the game.
Jamshedpur’s best chance of the first half came just before the break. A long throw from Muhammad Uvais caused chaos in the NorthEast box, and the ball fell to young midfielder Mohammed Sanan. However, Michel Zabaco reacted swiftly to clear Sanan’s shot off the goal line, ensuring his team entered halftime with their lead intact.
Jamshedpur started the second half with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, NorthEast United’s defense held firm, absorbing pressure and limiting clear-cut opportunities for the home side.
In the 65th minute, the visitors nearly doubled their lead when a well-placed free-kick from Nestor found Ajaraie in the box. Despite being tightly marked, he managed a powerful header, but the effort narrowly missed the target.
The game took a decisive turn in the 79th minute when Nikhil Barla committed a reckless foul on Thoi Singh inside the penalty area, leading to a spot-kick for NorthEast United. Ajaraie stepped up but saw his initial attempt saved by Albino Gomes. However, he was quick to react, slamming the rebound into the net to secure his 20th goal of the season and seal the win for his team.
Jamshedpur made late substitutions, introducing Stephen Eze and Ritwik Das in an attempt to salvage the game, but NorthEast United’s defense remained unbreakable. The Highlanders held firm to register their sixth clean sheet of the season, further solidifying their playoff aspirations.
With Ajaraie in record-breaking form and their defensive unit showing remarkable resilience, NorthEast United FC have emerged as serious contenders for a top-four finish in the ISL 2024-25 season.
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