February 8, Shillong (Meghalaya) [India]: After a 2-0 defeat against Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali lamented his team’s wasted opportunities but commended their perseverance and the fervent Shillong supporters, stating that a team loses when a strong opponent is not eliminated by opportunities.

Bipin Singh gave Mumbai City FC the lead in the 41st minute of the first Indian Super League (ISL) game played in Shillong, ending the scoreless draw. Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a crisp shot into the bottom right corner after Tiri set him up, giving the Islanders the victory in extra time. According to an ISL news release, the outcome saw the Highlanders fall to fifth place in the rankings while NorthEast United FC suffer their fifth loss of the season.

After eight games, NorthEast United FC suffered their first defeat at the hands of the Highlanders.

NorthEast United FC head coach Benali maintained his optimistic attitude at the post-game news conference, stressing that his side performed well, created opportunities, and should keep their heads up.

“How can I say that, you know? They won the points because we accomplished everything. He made reference to the defensive blunder that resulted in Mumbai City FC’s first goal when he remarked, “We slept in a throw-in, totally sleeping in the first goal.”

“They scored despite our several opportunities. You suffer if you don’t destroy a club like Mumbai City FC with the opportunities you have. After they scored, we were a little hurried,” he said.

Benali acknowledged that, especially in the second half, NorthEast United FC did not capitalize on their offensive chances. Despite taking 17 shots as opposed to Mumbai City FC’s five, the Highlanders lacked poise in front of goal.

“I’m not trying the other choices; I’m only searching for Ala (aeddine) Ajaraie. For them, it was successful. “I’m proud of the game we played, and the most important thing is to look forward,” he remarked.

“We located them there. We weren’t filming at all, which is the issue. We made an effort to move the ball inside the zone. We might have crossed. We weren’t going over. Some players who had four yellows sometimes thought, “Maybe the next game I’m not playing.” I simply think about the game instead of being at ease. That refers to those players who (do not) possess composure or experience. The squad we faced was excellent. We may have won or drew. But back home, we’re proud,” he said.

When his team failed to respond decisively in crucial situations, the coach became irate. Benali denied that NorthEast United FC should see this as a failure in spite of the defeat. He asked the journalists and onlookers to keep their eyes on the prize.

“There was nothing wrong. We lost the game, and that’s the only thing that went wrong. We had the opportunities, we battled, we played, and we failed to score. “Scoring the goal was the only thing lacking,” he said.

Additionally, Benali paused to thank the Shillong audience for their steadfast support. Benali acknowledged the 14,000-strong crowd and apologized to the home crowd after the inaugural ISL game in Shillong resulted in a defeat.

“Thank you to Shillong’s supporters. They were amazing, amazing. Apologies for the outcome, but they should remain positive and take pride in their squad. “We must feel proud,” Benali said.

We apologize for not being able to give them the victory today. When we play Bengaluru FC here again, we aim to give them the victory. We apologize one again and this is a really crucial game for us. However, it feels fantastic to see the stadium packed. We’re hoping to see that more often,” he said.