Shillong, Feb 6: The first ever ISL match in Shillong is all set as NorthEast United FC takes on Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference, Juan Pedro Benali said he expects a huge crowd, which will boost the team’s confidence as they aim for all three points.
Local star Redeem Tlang acknowledged the pressure of playing in front of home fans but believes it will only push the team to perform better. “Pressure is necessary in football; it will help us get the win,” he said.
It maybe noted, the last time NorthEast United played in Shillong, they secured a comfortable victory against Shillong Lajong FC in the Durand Cup Semi-final.
The Shillong fans will be hoping for a similar result as the Highlanders step onto the pitch for their first ISL match on home soil.
Currently, NorthEast United FC have 29 points on the back of seven victories and eight draws after 19 encounters, placed fourth in the points table, having drawn four times and won once in their last five games.
The Highlanders’ longest-ever unbeaten run in the competition was an 11-match streak between January and March 2021. The NorthEast United players are ready to give their all so they can get an inch closer to that record with five league games remaining this season.
