NorthEast United FC go down 3-1 to Sunrise AC in GPFL final
NorthEast United FC go down 3-1 to Sunrise AC in GPFL final
DD TIMES Guwahati, 21 December 2025: NorthEast United FC endured an agonising 3–1 defeat against Sunrise Athletic Club in the final of the third edition of the Guwahati Premier Football League (GPFL) at the Judges Field here on Sunday, settling for a runners-up finish despite a spirited display.
The Highlanders began the final on the front foot and were rewarded early when Bekey Oram opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a stunning long-range effort. After a patient build-up, Dallalmuon Gangte spotted Bekey in space, and the midfielder unleashed a 25-yard strike into the top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Naushad Moosa-coached NorthEast United FC could have doubled their lead minutes earlier when Gangte’s pinpoint cross found Danny Meitei, whose header crashed against the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly for Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, but his effort also struck the woodwork, summing up a night of fine margins.
Against the run of play, Sunrise Athletic Club found an equaliser in the 30th minute when a free-kick bounced just in front of NorthEast custodian, Arman Tamang, and Joseph Mayowaolaleye poked home a rebound from close range.
Eight minutes later, former NorthEast United FC player Alfred Lalruotsang put Sunrise ahead, apologising to the Highlanders’ faithful.
NorthEast United FC pressed relentlessly in the second half in search of an equaliser and thought they had found it in the 85th minute when Mukul Panwar headed home from a corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Sunrise sealed the contest deep into stoppage time through Abujam Singh (90+6).
Despite the disappointment, there was individual recognition for Dallalmuon Gangte, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.
