Guwahati: NorthEast United FC fought back with two goals in added time to come from behind and snatch a 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Thursday night.
“I want to thank the fans of NorthEast United FC for being patient, for holding out, but I want to promise them a great future and I think this is the start of that,” the Highlanders’ owner John Abraham said on the sidelines of the game and his boys gave the supporters a reason to smile again with their relentless spirit and attitude.
Nigerian Daniel showed quick awareness after NorthEast goalkeeper Mirshad Michu saved his penalty to roll the rebound past the custodian to put Jamhedpur 1-0 ahead in the 19th minute.
However, NorthEast United's Michel Zabaco and Ibson Melo injected precision gameplay with their exemplary output in the 10 minutes of added time. NorthEast were on the lookout for the equaliser and they grabbed the opportunity through a sweet strike from Zabaco in the 94th minute.
The momentum that they gained from that goal pushed them to find a winner, resulting in Romain Philippoteaux winning a spot-kick in the final minute. Melo, shouldering the expectations of the entire stadium, confidently stepped up to the challenge and drilled the ball home in the 97th minute to get his team a victory that they will remember and rejoice for the rest of the season.
