ISL 2025-26: NorthEast United ends campaign with victory over relegated Mohammedan Sporting

NorthEast United FC ended the 2025-26 Indian Super League season on a high after a 2-0 win against relegated Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, May 19.

Jairo Samperio and Dinesh Singh Soraisham found the net for the Highlanders, who climbed one place to ninth and ended their campaign with 16 points. Mohammedan SC, whose relegation was confirmed earlier this season, finished bottom of the table with three points and ended their season without a win.

The match had an open feel in the early stages, with both teams looking to attack freely in an attempt to end the season on a positive note. The two sides looked to extend each other down the flanks, with NorthEast’s Jithin MS and Mohammedan’s Rochharzela heavily involved in wide areas and constantly looking for their attackers with early crosses.

Mohammedan provided the first significant opening in the 13th minute. Thokchom Adison Singh made a quick run down the right flank before cutting into the box and shooting low at the near post. However, the attempt led to a deflection, allowing NorthEast goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan to gather comfortably.

NorthEast took the lead in the 19th minute after sustained pressure around the Mohammedan penalty area. Jithin delivered an inswinging corner towards the near post, and Jairo got there first and sent a header across the goal into the far corner, leaving Nikhil Deka without a chance.

Adison remained a threat for Mohammedan Sporting and almost responded in the 26th minute after being released by an excellent through ball from Makan Chothe. The winger carried the ball into the penalty area under pressure before cutting inside and making a curling attempt but failed to hit the target.

As the half progressed, NorthEast gradually began to dictate the pace of the match. The Highlanders repeatedly found openings down the flanks, with Macarton Louis Nickson and Jithin throwing a series of dangerous balls into the box that kept the Mohammedan defense under pressure.

Jairo almost doubled his tally in the 39th minute. NorthEast captain Ngasepam Tondonba Singh curled a perfect cross towards the far post, where Jairo met the ball with a header. This time, however, his effort hit the outside of the post and went out of play.

In first half extra time, Andres Jose Rodriguez Gaitan came inches away from doubling the lead with a free kick that took the slightest touch from Deka before hitting the crossbar and going behind for a corner.

NorthEast took advantage of the resulting set-piece moments later through a well-worked short-corner routine. Gaitan laid the ball away for Dinesh, whose shot from outside the box took a deflection before finding the back of the net. Dinesh then sparked a hearty celebration with head coach Juan Pedro Benali on the sidelines after scoring his first ISL goal.

The Highlanders went into halftime firmly under control. Mohammedan exceeded the possession statistics in the first half, but could not translate that into meaningful openings in the attacking third.

NorthEast continued to play to the fore after the restart despite holding a two-goal lead. The hosts almost added a third in the 50th minute when Jithin weaved through a crowded area before poking the ball to Gaitan on the edge of the penalty area. The Spaniard spread it to Thoi Singh Huidrom on the right, but the latter’s low effort hit the side netting. Robin Yadav also came close later in the half, but hit the side netting from a promising position.

The Highlanders continued to play with confidence and swagger, while Mohammedan struggled to play consistently from their own half and create clear openings in the final third.

NorthEast missed another big chance in the 63rd minute. A cross from the right was answered by Jairo on the left side of the Mohammedan goal. Instead of going for goal himself, he headed the ball to an unmarked Gaitan at the far post, but the midfielder blasted his effort over the bar from close range.

Mohammedan continued to show intent and commitment despite the score, but little worked for them in the attacking third as NorthEast’s backline remained organized all evening.

Jairo had one last chance in the 88th minute after receiving the ball under pressure on the edge of the penalty area. Forced to shoot quickly with his weaker foot, the forward managed to keep the effort on target, but it lacked power and Deka rallied comfortably.

NorthEast comfortably cruised through the closing stages to end its campaign with a confident home win, while Mohammedan’s difficult ISL season came to an end despite another spirited performance from the Calcutta side.

Published on May 19, 2026