Mumbai, Dec 31 (FN Agency) NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali was delighted with the three points as his team got the better of Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) matchhere. The Highlanders opened the scoring through Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the first minute on Monday night. Ajaraie doubled the tally for the visitors later on in the second half before Macarton Nickson joinedthe party with a late strike. NorthEast United FC recorded their sixth win of the campaign, moving up to fourth in the standings. “On Monday night we deserved to win. We played against a very good team. Great players with good coach. A beautiful pitch. e went with the game plan.. and fantastic three points. The result, how many goals in or out is not important, the most important is the three points,” Benali said in the post-match press conference. Nickson put in a solid show in the middle of the park, nullifying Mumbai City FC’s attacks. Mumbai City FC dominated most of the possession but Macarton helped shield the defence while winningthe ball in important situations.
The youngster was awarded the Player of the Match award.“He (Nickson) showed everyone he deserved it. He played very well. Great young player but at the same time, he needs to have his feet on the floor,” Benali stated. Asking to reflect on the year 2024 for NorthEast United FC, Benali said, “For the club, it has been a fantastic year. We are putting the name of NorthEast United FC as high as possible. Our fans are smiling. The owner is happy, the CEO, the media, the people who work at the grassroots, the medics.. Everyone works very hard. The crowd will only see the work of the players who go in, but behind me, I am not alone, I have a big staff working day and night and without them nothing would be possible.”