Bambolim (Goa), Oct 26: NorthEast United FC were held to a 2–2 draw by Inter Kashi FC in a rain-soaked Group B clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at the GMC Athletic Stadium here on Sunday.
In their first-ever meeting, Juan Pedro Benali’s men showed great character to overturn an early deficit and lead 2–1 at half-time, before conceding midway through the second half to share the spoils despite dominating much of the contest.
Inter Kashi struck early through Harmanpreet Singh (5’), but the Highlanders responded strongly as Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie (14’) and captain Michel Zabaco (40’) found the back of the net to hand their side a deserved lead at the break. However, Karthik Panicker (74’) levelled the score late on to earn Inter Kashi a point.
NEUFC began brightly and could have gone ahead inside four minutes when Tondonba Singh surged into the box from his left-back position. Moments later, however, a free-kick in the Highlanders’ defensive third led to Harmanpreet capitalising on a flick-on to put Inter Kashi ahead.
However, Inter Kashi earned a free kick in the Highlanders’ final third, and Harmanpreet managed to score from a flick-on that fell into his path. The Durand Cup champions were unfazed by the early setback and clawed their way back into the game.
Unfazed by the early setback, the Durand Cup champions rallied with relentless attacking intent. Ajaraie, Chema Nunez, Andy Rodríguez, Jairo Samperio, and Parthib Gogoi repeatedly tested Inter Kashi custodian Shubham Dhas, and the pressure finally paid off in the 18th minute. Nunez found Tondonba in the box, whose deft chest lay-off set up Ajaraie for a precise first-time left-footed finish.
The Highlanders continued to pile the pressure and doubled their advantage with a thumping header by captain Zabaco from Andy Rodriguez’s corner. They could have taken a 3-1 lead into the break, but the woodwork denied Jairo.
After the break, Benali’s side continued to press for a third goal but were unlucky not to extend their advantage. Against the run of play, Inter Kashi equalised in the 74th minute through Panicker’s finish from close range.
NorthEast United FC, who next face Jamshedpur FC on October 29 at the same venue, will look to return to winning ways.
