Kolkata, Sep 16 (PTI) – Mohammedan Sporting endured a crushing defeat in their inaugural Indian Super League match, succumbing to a stoppage-time goal from the newly crowned Durand Cup champions, NorthEast United FC, on Monday.

In a dramatic turn of events, Moroccan midfielder Alaeddine Ajaraie, who entered the fray as a substitute for Nestor Albiach in the 57th minute, delivered a moment of sheer brilliance in the fourth minute of injury time (90+4). Ajaraie displayed composure as he calmly slotted the ball home, delivering a harsh reality check to Mohammedan Sporting.

Despite displaying resilience and showing flashes of promise throughout the match, the Andrey Chernyshov-coached Kolkata side, who had earned promotion to the ISL after winning last season’s I-League, squandered several scoring opportunities.

Reflecting on the match, Russian coach Chernyshov commented, “They are a much more experienced side, and winning the Durand Cup provided them with valuable match time ahead of the season. We deserved at least a point from this game, but I’m proud of the boys’ performance. They showed great promise, and I’m confident we’ll keep improving with each match.”

The match marked Mohammedan Sporting’s first appearance at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. The stadium was filled with around 4,000 passionate Mohammedan Sporting fans waving their Black and White flags in celebration of their long-awaited debut.

The first half of the match was a cautious affair, with both teams probing without taking significant risks. NorthEast United’s Jithin MS and Mohammedan’s Alexis Gómez attempted shots from outside the box, but neither goalkeeper faced serious threats.

Mohammedan SC, missing key players Abdul Kadiri Mohammed and Mohammed Jassim due to injuries, appeared defensively organized but lacked sharpness in their attacking play. In the early stages, winger Lalremsanga Fanai showcased flashes of brilliance, winning several fouls on the right flank and keeping NorthEast United’s defense on alert. However, Mohammedan struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third, with most of their attempts coming from distance. Alexis Gomez came closest to scoring with a long-range effort in the 48th minute that narrowly missed the target.

As the match progressed, NorthEast United grew into the game. Playmaker Guillermo Fernandez orchestrated their midfield play, making them particularly dangerous from set-pieces. In the 60th minute, Ajaraie’s shot from outside the box was blocked, and minutes later, Jithin’s effort sailed just over the bar. Subran was lively throughout, persistently testing Mohammedan’s backline with his darting runs.

The second half saw an increase in physicality, with both sides receiving multiple yellow cards as tempers flared. Amarjit Singh and Mirjalol Kasimov of Mohammedan, along with NEUFC’s Míchel Zabaco and Dinesh Singh, were booked in quick succession as the game turned into a battle of attrition.

Injuries forced both teams to make substitutions, disrupting their rhythm. Mohammedan suffered a significant setback when their No. 10 had to be replaced in the 91st minute due to injury.

The decisive moment came after a sustained spell of pressure from NorthEast United. A swift attacking move saw Thoi Singh receive the ball on the right flank and deliver a low cross into the box. The Mohammedan defense failed to clear it, allowing Ajaraie to capitalize. He controlled the ball with his first touch before calmly slotting a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Padam Chettri from close range. Chhetri, who had made a fine save in the 58th minute, looked dejected as the goal stunned Mohammedan supporters who had hoped their team would secure at least a point. PTI TAP PDS PDS