NorthEast United FC have played eight games so far this season – six in the Durand Cup and two in the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25). None have been at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the club’s home stadium.
The reigning Durand Cup winners will grace the home turf for the first time this season when they host Kerala Blasters FC on Sunday. The Highlanders would look to bounce back from a late 2-3 defeat against Mohun Bagan in their last game. In their season opener, the Highlanders had defeated newcomers Mohammedan SC 1-0 away.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters also had a mixed start to their season after two home games. Mikael Stahre’s men lost to Punjab FC 1-2 before winning against East Bengal FC by the same margin.
Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of the NorthEast United FC expressed that the team is waiting to play their first home game and expects it to be a difficult game. “It will be a difficult game for both of us. It will be a very nice game for the fans to watch… It will be a tactical game and I think the team who keeps their cool and stays organised will win the game,” he said.
“All the games we have played (so far) have been away. We played in Kokrajhar, Shillong and Kolkata. It’s the first game for us. We’re delighted to play at home, in front of our fans. It’s a great feeling and we hope we’ll have the same feeling in the field.” Benali added.
Hamza Regragui, who missed the last game due to illness, feels he is ready for the challenges of the ISL. “I feel good, the team and the staff are very good. It’s like a big family here and we are training hard every day in the field, fully focused on the challenges ahead,” he said.
The last time NorthEast United FC faced Kerala at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in the ISL, Nestor Albiach and Jithin MS goals earned the Highlanders a 2-0 victory over the visitors and Juan Pedro Benali’s men would be eager to make the mark in their first home game of the season.
( Photo Credit: NEUFC Media)
