ISL 2020-21: North East United reserve a seat in the Semifinal

ISL 2020-21: North East United reserve a seat in the Semifinal
Apuia before a screamer

The Highlanders, who needed a point to confirm their entry into the playoffs for only the second time in the club’s history, punished a poor Kerala Blasters team 2-0 and grabbed three points. The last time they achieved the feat was in 2018-19 when they finished fourth. The match was played at Vasco’s Tilak Maidan on Friday night.

Blasters had two big chances in the opening minutes of the game but failed to dwell on it. Shifting gears North East showed no signs of stopping as they attacked thereafter. The first goal came from a defensive fumble as V.P. Suhair dribbled past the keeper to put it in the back of the net.

Lalengmawia impresses his coach

Khalid Jamal unbeaten with NEU in ISL

The two goals were scored within a span of 7 minutes to put Blasters in the back seat. Lalengmawia who is nick named Apuia scored one of most spectacular goals of the season. The long range shot from outside the box beat the keeper, hit the crossbar and landed inside the goal like a bullet. Even NEU’s coach Khalid Jamal’s expressions blatantly divulged that he was awestruck looking at this strike. This goal came in first half injury time and the match was practically over after that.

Khalid has been unbeaten with this side ever sign he took over the reins mid-season. His best accomplishment being defeating Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC and now he managed his side into the semifinals looking even more confident than before.

The loss concludes a disappointing season for KBFC, who finish 10th with 17 points, with just three wins from 20 games, and the second worst defensive record of the season.

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