ISL 2025-26: Rahul KP shines as Odisha defeats 10-member NorthEast United

Thanks to two goals from Rahul KP, Odisha FC registered a comprehensive 4-1 win over NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

Rahul gave Odisha an early lead before Macarton Nickson leveled NorthEast United FC’s level but debutant Subham Bhattacharya restored the lead before half-time. Highlanders right-back Muthu Mayakkanann was sent off in the first half. Rahul then added his second goal in the second half before an own goal from Bekey Oram gave Odisha its fourth goal.

The Juggernauts recorded their first win of the campaign and moved to ninth in the standings with five points and two games in hand, while NorthEast United remained seventh with six points. Rahul was named Player of the Match for his brace.

Odisha made an early impression in the sixth minute after a defensive error by the hosts. Forward Rahim Ali’s pressure on NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh worked as the ball fell kindly for the former, who sent it to Rahul to finish calmly.

The Highlanders responded immediately. In the 10th minute, Parthib Gogoi burst down the left flank and set up Macarton Nickson, who finished with a controlled right-footed strike from inside the box to make the score 1-1.

Odisha took the lead again in the 24th minute through debutant Subham. From an Isak corner, Rahim fired the ball into the danger zone, where Subham reacted quickest by putting the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.

NorthEast United’s challenge became tougher in the 36th minute when right-back Mayakkannan was shown a red card for a foul on Rahul. The hosts then struggled to create clear openings as Odisha carried a 2-1 lead into half-time.

Rahul almost added to his tally on the counter in the 52nd minute but failed to find a teammate with his final pass.

Odisha gradually grew in the game and took advantage of their numerical advantage. In the 65th minute, after a quick break, Rahul found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and finished confidently to extend the lead to 3-1.

Just three minutes later the visitors added a fourth. A cross into the penalty area from right back Vanlalzuidika found Rahim and eventually Isak, who immediately shot the ball into the goal. NorthEast midfielder Bekey tried to clear the ball but could only hit the roof of his own net, making it 4-1 to the visitor in the 68th minute.

Odisha continued to threaten, with Isak testing Gurmeet Singh from distance in the 72nd minute. NorthEast United tried to respond late in the match, but Thoi Singh and Asheer Akhtar both missed the target with their attempts.

Published on March 20, 2026