ISL 2025-26: Parthib’s late winner helps NorthEast United steal thriller against Inter Kashi

NorthEast United FC secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Inter Kashi in the 2025-26 Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, with Parthib Gogoi’s late strike sealing all three points in a pulsating match on Saturday, May 2.

Jithin MS had given the Highlanders the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Andy Rodríguez doubling the lead from the penalty spot, before Inter Kashi produced a spirited comeback through Sergio Llamas and Mohammed Asif.

The result moves NorthEast United FC to tenth place in the standings with ten points from eleven games, while Inter Kashi remains eighth with eleven points from ten games.

Jairo Samperio was named Man of the Match for his influential performance, playing a key role in two of the three goals.

Inter Kashi made the better start, dominating possession in the opening exchanges and testing the North East defense with a series of long-range efforts. Midfielders Asif and Tomba Singh both went close early on, while striker Alfred Planas Moya and full-back Rohit Danu linked up well on the right, although the visitor lacked precision in the final third.

NorthEast United gradually grew into the match, with Jairo Samperio posing a constant threat. The Spaniard came close several times, hitting the post in the 38th minute before being denied by Inter Kashi keeper Shubham Dhas in a one-on-one.

Just when the first half looked destined to end goalless, Jairo produced a brilliant run down the right, beating two defenders before hitting the ball back for Jithin MS, who finished emphatically into the top corner to hand the hosts the lead in stoppage time.

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The Highlanders carried that momentum into the second half, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Their pressure paid off in the 61st minute when Jairo broke into the penalty area again and drew a foul from centre-back Wayne Vaz, who was shown a red card. Andy Rodríguez stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-0.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Inter Kashi responded resiliently. Sergio Llamas pulled one back in the 71st minute with a well-struck free-kick that curled into the bottom corner, shifting the momentum in the visitor’s favour. The team continued to push forward and was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Mohammed Asif took advantage of a loose ball in the penalty area to score the equalizer.

With the match well balanced, both teams looked for a decisive goal. NorthEast United found it in the 90th minute, when substitute Parthib Gogoi drove into the penalty area from the right and produced a composed finish into the bottom corner to restore the lead and spark celebrations among the home fans.

Inter Kashi threw bodies forward in the closing stages but failed to find another breakthrough as NorthEast United held on to secure a crucial win.

Published on May 2, 2026