Super Cup: NorthEast United FC Ready for Quarterfinal Battle

NorthEast United FC come into the last eight clash after a thumping 6-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club, while Jamshedpur FC overcame Hyderabad FC 2-0. In the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, NorthEast United FC did a league double over Jamshedpur FC — winning 5-0 at home and 0-2 away — but fell to a 0-2 defeat at home in the ISL playoffs.

NorthEast United FC’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, expressed that neither the ISL games nor the team’s win over Mohammedan SC would have any bearing on the quarterfinal clash.

“The Mohammedan game is the past. There’s no revenge (against Jamshedpur FC). This is a cup competition, it’s a knockout game, it has nothing to do with the ISL. We need to learn from our previous games and look forward,” Benali said before adding, “It’s a game of chess. There are always areas where you can improve and get better. It will be a matter of details, winning most of the small battles inside the game. We are prepared, focused, and I am sure the players will give absolutely everything,” he added.

The defensive bedrock of NorthEast United FC, comprising the formidable centre-back pairing of Asheer Akhtar and captain Michel Zabaco, will be key to stifling the Jamshedpur attack. Akhtar echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the familiarity between the two sides but stressing the distinct nature of this cup tie. “We’ve played many matches against Jamshedpur FC, both sides know each other well. But this game is different from the ISL game, it’s a knockout Cup game, and details will be key,” he stated.

In midfield, the dynamic duo of Mayakkannan and Mohammed Ali Bemammer will aim to replicate their sublime performance against Mohammedan Sporting, controlling the tempo and dictating play from the centre of the park. Their ability to win possession and launch attacks will be crucial in breaking down the Jamshedpur defence.

The NorthEast United FC attack is firing on all cylinders. Moroccan maestro Alaaeddine Ajaraie will be eager to build on his sensational hat-trick against Mohammedan SC, while the likes of Guillermo Fernandes, Nestor Albiach, and India international Jithin MS, who each contributed a goal and an assist in the previous match, will look to once again unleash their menacing potential on the Jamshedpur backline.

Come Sunday, Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United FC will look to put on a performance that will book them a place in the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.

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NorthEast United FC will lock horns with Jamshedpur FC in the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday night.

NorthEast United FC come into the last eight clash after a thumping 6-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club, while Jamshedpur FC overcame Hyderabad FC 2-0. In the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, NorthEast United FC did a league double over Jamshedpur FC — winning 5-0 at home and 0-2 away — but fell to a 0-2 defeat at home in the ISL playoffs.

NorthEast United FC’s head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, expressed that neither the ISL games nor the team’s win over Mohammedan SC would have any bearing on the quarterfinal clash.

“The Mohammedan game is the past. There’s no revenge (against Jamshedpur FC). This is a cup competition, it’s a knockout game, it has nothing to do with the ISL. We need to learn from our previous games and look forward,” Benali said before adding, “It’s a game of chess. There are always areas where you can improve and get better. It will be a matter of details, winning most of the small battles inside the game. We are prepared, focused, and I am sure the players will give absolutely everything,” he added.

The defensive bedrock of NorthEast United FC, comprising the formidable centre-back pairing of Asheer Akhtar and captain Michel Zabaco, will be key to stifling the Jamshedpur attack. Akhtar echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the familiarity between the two sides but stressing the distinct nature of this cup tie. “We’ve played many matches against Jamshedpur FC, both sides know each other well. But this game is different from the ISL game, it’s a knockout Cup game, and details will be key,” he stated.

In midfield, the dynamic duo of Mayakkannan and Mohammed Ali Bemammer will aim to replicate their sublime performance against Mohammedan Sporting, controlling the tempo and dictating play from the centre of the park. Their ability to win possession and launch attacks will be crucial in breaking down the Jamshedpur defence.

The NorthEast United FC attack is firing on all cylinders. Moroccan maestro Alaaeddine Ajaraie will be eager to build on his sensational hat-trick against Mohammedan SC, while the likes of Guillermo Fernandes, Nestor Albiach, and India international Jithin MS, who each contributed a goal and an assist in the previous match, will look to once again unleash their menacing potential on the Jamshedpur backline.

Come Sunday, Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United FC will look to put on a performance that will book them a place in the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.