hilo789 slotNorthEast United players celebrate their impressive victory over Hyderabad FC. Photo: NorthEast United ISL NorthEast United players celebrate their impressive victory over Hyderabad FC. Photo: NorthEast United ISL

NorthEast United FC secured a commanding 5-2 victory against Hyderabad FC on Mondaygold99, December 23, at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium. (Highlights | Football News)

Hyderabad FC, who had conceded six goals after the 60th minute this season, allowed three more as NorthEast United FC struck thrice in the final 30 minutes.

The game kicked off with promise for the home team, as Hyderabad FC took the lead in spectacular fashion. In the 5th minute, Edmilson Correia opened the scoring with a brilliant strike.

Just seven minutes later, he doubled his tally, netting another remarkable goal, a right-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the bottom right corner. The assist came from Sourav K, who delivered a perfect cross to set up the goal. With a two-goal advantage, the Nizams were flying high, looking in complete control.

But then the visitors showed great resilience, refusing to back down in the first half. Guillermo Fernández pulled one back for NorthEast United FC with a clinical left-footed shot from close range, placing the ball perfectly at the center of the goal.

The assist came from Jithin Madathil Subran, who delivered a precise cross after a corner. NorthEast United FC’s determination was evident as they fought hard to get back into the game.

In the 54th minute, Macarton Nickson unleashed a creative long-range shot aimed at the right side of the goal. However, the ball deflected off Lenny Rodrigues and ended up nearly in the middle of the net, bringing the scores level. It was later ruled as an own goal by the Hyderabad FC midfielder.

Few minutes later, Guillermo put the visitors ahead, thanks to a link-up with Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

The Hyderabad FC defense appeared slightly disoriented when Ajaraie took a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Though it lacked accuracy, the deflection fell perfectly for Guillermo, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner.

India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.

After a goalless first quarter, Korea struck just 36 seconds into the second quarter with Jungjun Lee finding the net due to a mistake from Pakistan goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiyaq Khan. The goal remained the difference between the two teams till the half-time.

Brief ScoresHyderabad FC 2 (Edmilson Correia 5’ 12’) - 5 NorthEast United FC (Guillermo Fernández 18’ 61’gold99, Lenny Rodrigues OG 54’, Alaaeddine Ajaraie 73’, Alex Saji OG 78’)