On Monday, January 15, 2024, in a thrilling match at the Kalinga Stadium, Nestor Albiach Roger saved the day for NorthEast United FC by scoring twice in the second half to give them their first-ever Kalinga Super Cup victory. Hard-fought and well-earned, the win keeps NorthEast United alive for a trip to the semi-finals. For a team that had a difficult start to the season—going winless for eight games—this victory marks a huge turnaround. NorthEast United FC’s campaign has gained newfound hope and momentum after their victory over Shillong Lajong, as they prepare to play Kerala Blasters FC in their final group stage match on January 20.
First Half Drama:
With a forward-thinking approach, NorthEast United attacked from the flanks, applying pressure to the Shillong Lajong defense. But Shillong went defensive in the first few minutes, hoping to take advantage of counterattacks. In the eighth minute, Romain Philippoteaux gave NorthEast United FC their first real opportunity, but the tenacious Shillong defense stopped his shot.
The Brazilian Douglas Rosa Tardin’s powerful shot from just outside the box in the 17th minute marked the game’s turning point. Shillong Lajong took the lead when the ball found its way through the net and past NorthEast custodian Dipesh Chauhan, who was having trouble handling the bounce. Despite having the majority of the ball, NorthEast United FC was unable to convert any clear opportunities, and in the 27th minute, Daniel Goncalves’ excellent freekick struck the crossbar, giving Shillong Lajong a chance to double their lead.
The closest NorthEast United came to scoring was in the 44th minute, when Parthib Sundar Gogoi missed a great opportunity to score after Philippoteaux crossed the ball. NorthEast United faced an uphill battle in the second half as Shillong Lajong managed to hold onto their slim lead at the end of the first half.
Second Half Resurgence:
A focused NorthEast United FC team applied increasing pressure to the Shillong defense in the second half. Shillong’s goalkeeper Neitho expertly stopped Dinesh’s attempt in the 51st minute to preserve the lead for his team. But in the 59th minute, Nestor Albiach Roger leveled the scores with an easy header from close range, proving that NorthEast United’s tenacity had paid off.
Even though Shillong Lajong was outmatched on the field by NorthEast United FC, they showed courage and determination by not giving up. The game’s turning point came in the 67th minute when Pursunep tripped Nickson inside the penalty box, prompting the referee to award NorthEast United a penalty. With composure, Nestor Albiach Roger advanced and put the ball in the goal, giving NorthEast United the advantage and ultimately securing three vital points.
Conclusion:
After a nail-biting match at Kalinga Stadium, NorthEast United FC emerged victorious in the Kalinga Super Cup, demonstrating their tenacity and resolve. Their season took a turn for the better thanks to Nestor Albiach Roger’s heroics in the second half, when he scored twice and led his team to victory. With a win like this, NorthEast United FC’s confidence and hopes of making it to the semi-finals will surely soar. Their next group stage match is against Kerala Blasters FC on January 20. The encounter with Shillong Lajong will go down in history as a demonstration of NorthEast United’s perseverance and capacity to overcome hardship in order to win the Kalinga Super Cup.
NorthEast United FC Starting XI
Dipesh (GK), Dinesh, Asheer, Gaurav (C), Samte, Bemammer, Phalguni, Romain, Redeem, Parthib, Nestor
Shillong Lajong FC Starting XI
Neitho (GK), Saveme, Daniel, Ronney, Kynsai Khongsit, Renan (C), Hame, Wadajied, Kynsai Lhuid, Pursunep, Douglas
