The new 2024-25 season will commence next Wednesday.
Securing a comeback, but it ultimately didn't suffice as goals from Asheer Akhtar and Mohammed Bemammer came in later, resulting in full points at home. This was the first victory for the Highlanders in the last five matches this season (D4), an ISL release stated.
Defensively, the team showed some solid movements at the back. In the 12th minute, Ajaraie had a chance to get on the scoresheet from a corner, but the Moroccan was flagged offside.
It began at the 17th minute. Macarthy Nickson set it in motion by finding Jithin with a superb ball. The winger then released it forward into the penalty area in search of Guillermo. Although Rabeeh got to the ball first, his attempt on it was off-target, allowing Guillermo to score from up close.
Their defense was exposed when Alex Saji was absent from the game as a result of suspension.
Their persistence earned them a doubled lead right before halftime in the 45th minute, where Ajaraie forcefully struck a direct free-kick past Arshdeep and precisely placed it into the top corner of the net.
In the beginning of the second half, the team showed a lot of energy and urgency. Allan Paulista participated more actively in the attack, working in conjunction with Joseph Sunny and Ramhlunchhunga.
The reserve line led by Michel Zabaco held their lines wonderfully.
The Highlanders scored a goal from a free-kick taken by Chhunga Hmar in the 70th minute. It was an excellent kick into the penalty area that the Highlanders were unable to clear. The loose ball landed perfectly for Manoj to shoot and score.
India regained a two-goal advantage thanks to Asheer Akhtar's headed goal in the 79th minute. Nestor served up a fine cross from a corner and Ajaraie hit it home, but Arshdeep blocked the shot. The deflection fell to Asheer who headed it home from close range.
Subsequently, Benali brought on Hamza Regragui in place of Ajaraie to end the game. They nearly secured the win when Nestor had a scoring opportunity, but his eventual effort was blocked by Arshdeep. However, it was Mohammed Ali Bemammer who scored the fourth goal for the Highlanders with a powerful strike from outside the box in the 89th minute, securing the win for the hosts.
He made crucial contributions, scoring a goal and recording three important tackles as well as completing 23 of his 38 passes attempted.
Mohammedan SC will be hosting SC on February 8 at home.