ISL: Alaeddine's 94th Min Strike Helps NEUFC Kickstart Campaign

NorthEast United FC secured their first points of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season with a dramatic 1-0 win over FC Goa at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Guwahati.

The match was heading towards a stalemate until substitute Romain Philippoteaux's cross found substitute Mohamed Larbi in the box. He then headed the ball towards another substitute, Aidy Boothroyd, who set up Romain Philippoteaux for a shot. FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh parried the shot into the path of Wilmar Jordan, who could not find the target. However, his shot fell kindly for Alaeddine, who made no mistake from close range in the 94th minute.

NEUFC's winless start to the season came to an end in dramatic fashion, while FC Goa's winless run extended to three matches.

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. NEUFC had the better of the possession, but they were unable to find a way through the FC Goa defense. The visitors had a couple of half-chances, but they failed to test NEUFC goalkeeper Mirshad Michu.

The second half was more open, with both teams creating more chances. NEUFC came close to breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute when Laldanmawia Ralte's shot was saved by Dheeraj Singh. FC Goa also had a great chance to score in the 80th minute, but Iker Guarrotxena's header went wide.

In the end, it was NEUFC who found the winning goal in the dying minutes of the match. The win was a much-needed one for NEUFC, who had lost their first two matches of the season. FC Goa, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have lost a game they could have won.

Conclusion

NEUFC's win over FC Goa was a tale of two halves. The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. The second half was more open, with both teams creating more chances. In the end, it was NEUFC who found the winning goal in the dying minutes of the match.

The win was a much-needed one for NEUFC, who had lost their first two matches of the season. FC Goa, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have lost a game they could have won.