ISL: NEUFC open account with a draw

Bengaluru, Feb 22: Be hungry. It was a simple message from Juan Pedro Benali to his NorthEast United FC boys after their season opener.
On a Sunday evening at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, his wards lived up to that message, securing a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC, in a contest where the Highlanders looked the likelier winners.
Summer signing Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, who was the top scorer in the I-League last season, came off the bench and scored a delightful goal (68’) to send a handful of NorthEast faithfuls in the stands into delirium.
NorthEast began with purpose and nearly struck inside the opening minute. Robin Yadav’s throw-in found Parthib Gogoi in the area, and the forward forced an early save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Five minutes later, the Highlanders came agonisingly close. Andy Rodriguez delivered a pinpoint corner onto captain Michel Zabaco’s head, but the defender’s effort crashed against the base of the post.
In the opening phase, Jithin MS, Jairo Samperio and Parthib Gogoi repeatedly troubled Bengaluru’s backline. Yet, against the run of play in the 19th minute, the hosts went ahead when Brian Sanchez cut inside and drove a low effort past Gurmeet Singh.
The setback did little to deter NorthEast. Jithin soon tested his India teammate Gurpreet with a fierce left-footed strike, but the visitors went into the break trailing 1-0 despite controlling large phases.
The Highlanders resumed with greater intensity. Around the hour mark, Rodriguez again unlocked the defence with a precise freekick, forcing Gurpreet into a sharp save to deny Asheer Akhtar. Moments later, the Bengaluru custodian was called upon again after Macarton Nickson, a Karnataka boy, slipped Jairo through on goal. Sensing momentum shifting, Benali introduced Lalrinzuala and Danny Laishram to inject fresh energy into the attack, and the move paid immediate dividends.
Spotting Lalrinzuala’s run, Asheer played a long ball over the top of Bengaluru's defence. Lalrinzuala controlled the ball with a sublime first touch, fired it past Gurpreet with his second, and wheeled away in celebration.
In the final quarter of the game, Bengaluru FC looked to restore their lead, but were kept at bay by Gurmeet Singh. At the other end, the visitors pushed for the winner but ultimately had to settle for a draw.
The result opens NorthEast United FC’s account in ISL 12. NorthEast United FC next faces Mumbai City FC on March 1 at Mumbai Football Arena.
IMAGE CAPTION: Lalrinzuala celebrating after scoring the equalizer for NEUFC