NorthEast United FC face Inter Kashi in AIFF Super Cup opener
NorthEast United FC face Inter Kashi in AIFF Super Cup opener
DD TIMES Bambolim, 25 October 2025: The 2025 Durand Cup champions, NorthEast United FC, will begin their AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 campaign against the 2024-25 I-League champions Inter Kashi FC at the GMC Bambolim Stadium here on Sunday.
Drawn in Group B alongside Inter Kashi, FC Goa, and Jamshedpur FC, the Highlanders are set for their first-ever clash with the Varanasi-based side.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasised the team’s focus on the opener, expressing confidence in his squad’s preparation and mindset.
“We’ve been preparing for a long time, and are happy that the competition is back.
AIFF Super Cup is (enough) motivation. Competition is a motivation for professional players. The players are waiting for the game,” he said.
“It’s a short competition. For us, the most important game is the first game against Inter Kashi FC, and we’re ready to go.” Benali further added.
NorthEast United FC last took the field in August, storming to a 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC in the Durand Cup final to defend their crown. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie stole the spotlight, claiming both the MVP and Golden Boot with eight goals and four assists, while Gurmeet Singh earned the Golden Glove.
The club’s new foreign recruits have also hit the ground running — Jairo Samperio (2 goals, 1 assist), Andy Rodriguez (2 goals, 1 assist), and Chema Nunez (1 assist) all contributing to the team’s triumph.
The Highlanders’ Indian core continues to grow stronger, with several players recently involved in national team duties. Gurmeet Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Macarton Nickson, Jithin MS, and Parthib Gogoi were called up to the senior team, while Dipesh Chauhan, Bekey Oram, Danny Meitei, and Thoi Singh featured for India’s U-23 side.
Led by captain Michel Zabaco, NorthEast United’s defensive unit features Asheer Akhtar, Tondonba Singh, Redeem Tlang, Buanthanglun Samte, and Dinesh Singh. In midfield, Mayakkannan and Andy Rodriguez will anchor play, while new Indian signings Lalrinzuala and Lalbiakdika will look to make their mark in attack.
With continental qualification on the line, the Highlanders are ready to embark on another ambitious campaign.
