Head coach Juan Pedro Benali became an endearing figure for the NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) faithful when he inspired the side to its first-ever trophy, the Durand Cup title last year.
He will look to extend that faith with a secured playoff spot as NorthEast United faces Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday.
NEUFC is sixth in the standings and needs a win tomorrow cement its top-six spot.
In the event of shared points, its head-to-head record would favour it only against Odisha FC, while proving detrimental against Mumbai City and East Bengal, the other three contenders.
However, a loss would leave the door open for Odisha and East Bengal to compete for the only remaining spot while Mumbai City will qualify.
The visitors’ best bet in attack will be Moroccan sniper Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who has tumbled multiple records in his debut season in India.
His remarkable season, featuring 20 goals and 5 assists so far, saw him break multiple ISL records: surpassing Elano’s consecutive scoring streak, becoming NEUFC’s all-time top scorer, and eclipsing Bartholomew Ogbeche’s single-season goal tally, to make the Islanders a force to reckon with.
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The side has scored 22 goals on the road, the most by any side this season, and will look to build on that tally, especially against a side low on morale after getting knocked out of the playoffs race.
Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, is at wits’ end after failing to find its winning momentum throughout the season. Consecutive wins for the side arrived in its 21st of 24 games and head coach Owen Coyle has often been found losing his cool after matches.
The Marina Machans, however, are one of the five sides to have beaten NorthEast United in the league so far, a 3-2 win, in October last year – a fact that will help them get back on the horse for their penultimate game.
“For us, we have to make sure that we do well at home. In truth, there’s no getting away from the fact that our home record hasn’t been good enough. But we have two games at home and we are looking to finish them strongly. We also want to put smiles on the faces of our supporters who have been with us through thick and thin,” Coyle said in the pre-match press conference.
Chennaiyin will be without full-back Laldinliana Renthlei, who is out with a shoulder injury while Lalrinliana Hnamte and Kiyan Nassiri remain doubtful due to sickness.
It has played NEUFC 22 times in all competitions, with Chennaiyin winning 10 matches and drawing five.
NorthEast United has won seven games but its last win in Chennai was nearly seven years ago, a 4-3 victory in October 2018 – a result it will look to emulate to sail into the knockouts without fuss.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm IST.
