NorthEast United FC will look to register their second consecutive victory on home turf when they face Odisha FC in their Indian Super League (ISL 12) clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Friday.
The Highlanders head into the game on the back of a gritty 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC, while Odisha FC suffered a 5-1 defeat against Mohun Bagan SG in their previous outing.
NorthEast United FC face a quick turnaround between the two fixtures, having played on Sunday evening. However, head coach Juan Pedro Benali stated that the team has made the most of the limited preparation time.
“We had two and a half days to prepare for the game. We needed to work on certain aspects of our game plan against Odisha FC. They are a formidable opposition that can hurt you during the transition. We need to be ourselves and focus on what we need to do,” Benali said.
Benali also praised India U-23 forward Parthib Gogoi, who has been leading the forward line, alongside India international Jithin MS, India U-23 internationals Danny Laishram and Thoi Singh, and summer signings Lalrinzuala and Lalbiakdika.
Benali further added that the name on the crest matters more than the name on the back.
“Parthib had a fantastic game. The fight, dribbling, movements, defending and attacking. The foul for the first goal was on him, and he was involved in the action for the second goal as well. I don’t need him to score if we win. If we win, I don’t care who scores,” Benali added.
Bekey Oram expressed that even though he hails from Odisha, his allegiance belongs to NorthEast United FC, and he will grab an opportunity to score with both hands.
“Everybody wants to score. If I get a chance, I will certainly do that. Northeast is my home now. When I am outside the field, yes, Odisha is my home. But when I enter the field, this is my home,” Bekey said, pointing to the club crest.
Along with Bekey, the defensive unit of Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Dinesh Singh, Buanthanglun Samte, and Tondonba Singh will look to stay compact in front of goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. In midfield, Andy Rodriguez, who scored a brace against Jamshedpur FC, will once again look to control the tempo alongside Mayakkannan and Macarton Nickson.
Come Friday, NorthEast United FC will look to bag another three points on home turf before heading into the international break.