Mohammedan Sporting endured a heartbreaking defeat in their Indian Super League (ISL) debut, falling 1-0 to Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal on Monday.
Moroccan midfielder Alaeddine Ajaraie, who came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of injury time (90+4), sealing victory for NorthEast United.
Despite a promising performance, Mohammedan, coached by Andrey Chernyshov, missed several key chances.
The Kolkata-based side had recently earned promotion to the ISL after winning the I-League, but their inexperience showed against the more seasoned NorthEast United team.
“We deserved at least a point, but I’m proud of the boys,” Chernyshov remarked, praising his team’s effort.
The match, held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in front of 4,000 passionate fans, began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities.
Mohammedan’s Alexis Gómez came closest with a long-range effort that went wide, while NorthEast United gradually took control, led by playmaker Guillermo Fernandez.
The second half saw a rise in physicality, with both sides receiving multiple yellow cards.
As the game progressed, NorthEast United increased the pressure, and in the dying moments, Thoi Singh delivered a low cross that Mohammedan Sporting ‘s defense failed to clear, allowing Ajaraie to score the winning goal.
Mohammedan’s goalkeeper, Padam Chettri, who had earlier made a brilliant save, could only watch in disappointment as the ball found the back of the net, leaving the debutants without a point in their first ISL match.
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