The last time NorthEast United FC played in Guwahati, they were the 2024 Durand Cup champions.
After 409 days, they return to Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium as the two-time Durand Cup defending champions.
Incidentally, in the previous two editions, NorthEast United FC faced Jamshedpur FC on the 26th October. Highlanders went on to win the game (2-1 in 2023-24) and (5-0 in 2024-25) on both occasions.
On Sunday, still seeking their first victory of the season, NorthEast United FC will look to achieve a hat-trick of wins over their rivals. In their previous outing, NorthEast United FC played a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Punjab FC on the road. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC prevailed 1-0 over Inter Kashi FC.
NorthEast United FC’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, had a smile on his face when the obvious question of playing the home match came up, and the Spaniard expressed that the team was excited to play on the home turf after a year.
The club’s summer signing, Lalrinzuala, has been involved in all three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) the team has scored so far and is adapting to the demands of the Indian Super League.
“Lalrinzuala is a very good striker and a great person. He needs to trust himself, his teammates and keep playing. It’s a big jump from the I-League to the ISL; he’s adapting to it. He needs to keep working, and he has a bright future. I am sure with time he will prove to everyone that he’s one of the best strikers in the league,” Benali said.
Lalrinzuala echoed the sentiments of his coach with regard to getting up to the speed and the physicality of the league and expressed that he was excited to play in front of home fans for the first time.
“Finally, we’re going to play our first home match. I have never played here before. I am a bit nervous, but at the same time, I am really excited. However, it gives us a motivation to get the three points,” Lalrinzuala, who will once again look to lead the front line, said.
Along with Lalrinzuala, the Highlanders have a strong pool of Indian options with Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, and Lalbiakdika providing pace and creativity in the final third.
In midfield, Macarton Nickson, Mayakkannan, and Spaniard Andy Rodriguez will look to dictate the tempo, while Gurmeet Singh is expected to continue in goal, marshalled by captain Michel Zabaco alongside Asheer Akhtar, Dinesh Singh, Redeem Tlang, Bekey Oram, Buanthanglun Samte, and Tondonba Singh in defence.
Come Sunday, NorthEast United FC will be determined to make their return to Guwahati a memorable one by securing all three points against Jamshedpur FC.
NorthEast United FC to pay tribute to Zubeen Garg
When NorthEast United FC take the field on Sunday, the club will pay tribute to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in September 2025. The iconic artist was a passionate supporter of the club and a voice that resonated deeply across the Northeast.
In the lead-up to the match, the NorthEast United FC first team visited Zubeen Kshetra, the site where the final rites of Zubeen Garg were performed, and paid their respects by placing a gamusa and a club jersey at his memorial.
During the walk-out, the players will wear a gamusa around their neck with the words “Joi Zubeen Da”, honouring the legacy of a man whose voice continues to inspire generations across the region.
