Shillong, Mar 31 (UNI) NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali voiced his disappointment as they bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs following

a 2-0 defeat against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday

night.

The Highlanders displayed a spirited performance throughout the game, generating waves of attacks from both flanks. They attempted 15 shots and 42 crosses against the Men of Steel, their second-highest such tally in a single game in league history, but lacked precision in the final third as they fell short in finding the back of the net.

Macarton Louis Nickson and Nestor Albiach missed crucial chances in the opening half before Stephen Eze broke the deadlock against the run of play with his powerful strike from a tight

situation inside the box.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, and others too had their chances in the second half but failed to convert as they went down fighting against Jamil’s men. Moreover, Javi Hernandez further sealed the victory with his composed finish at the stroke of the full time, securing the final semi-final spot.

Benali shared his disappointment in ending up the season with such a performance, where they worked their socks off but couldn’t just score the goal, knocking them out from the playoffs race.

“Unlucky, but proud of my team, proud of our fans, and proud of everyone who worked very hard all season to arrive here. Maybe we could do something better now; I don't know what, but just look at what we played against Jamshedpur FC,” Benali said in the post-match press conference.

“Sometimes you play football and the other team wins; sometimes you play very badly and you win. This is football; this is how it is, and we need to accept it, head up, and look forward,” he added.

NorthEast United FC dominated the game with nearly 70 percent ball possession. However, they managed to keep only three shots on target, missing numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Benali stated that while he had anticipated Jamshedpur FC’s approach, their lack of finishing

prowess ultimately resulted in a difficult loss on home soil.

“We know Jamshedpur FC; this is their football. We know it very well. They were lucky with the first goal, and we started to swim against the current. We could score before they score; we could score many goals after, but when the ball doesn't go inside, you know, you get frustrated; you get in a hurry,” he shared.

“We didn't score. The only thing missing in this game is the goal. We played from the side, we played from inside, we played the set pieces, but we didn't maybe shoot enough to score. Maybe I need to see the game again,” he continued.

However, Benali remained optimistic and took pride in leading such a fantastic side throughout the campaign.

“I tell you again, proud, really proud of my players. We do mistakes; it's normal, we're human. We must make mistakes. We try to learn from our mistakes. But as I said before, champions, for me,

are not the ones who put the trophy up,” he said.

“Champions are the ones who fell down and stand again and fight again. And this is the spirit of NorthEast United FC. This is the spirit of the Highlanders. This is the spirit of the Wolves.

Altogether, we don't care. We will stand and fight again,” Benali concluded.

UNI BM