ISL 2025-26: NorthEast United beat Mohammedan SC 2-0 in Guwahati finale
Synopsis
NorthEast United ended a modest ISL 2025-26 campaign on the right note, beating relegated Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 in Guwahati. Jairo Samperio's header and Dinesh Singh Soraisham's first ISL goal secured a ninth-place finish with 16 points, while Mohammedan wrapped up a winless season rooted to the bottom with just three points.
Key Takeaways
NorthEast United FC beat Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on 19 May 2025 .
Jairo Samperio (19') and Dinesh Singh Soraisham (first-half added time) scored for the Highlanders.
NorthEast finished ninth in the ISL 2025-26 table with 16 points .
Mohammedan Sporting ended the season bottom of the table with three points and no wins .
It was Dinesh Singh Soraisham's first ISL goal , celebrated with head coach Juan Pedro Benali on the touchline.
NorthEast United FC closed out their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a commanding 2-0 victory over already-relegated Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, 19 May 2025. The result lifted the Highlanders one place to ninth in the final standings, finishing the campaign with 16 points.
The Goals
Jairo Samperio opened the scoring in the 19th minute, directing a near-post header from Jithin M.S's inswinging corner into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Nikhil Deka with no chance. The second arrived in first-half additional time through a well-worked short-corner routine — Andres Jose Rodriguez Gaitan laid off for Dinesh Singh Soraisham, whose strike from outside the box deflected in off a defender. It was Dinesh's first ISL goal, and he celebrated with head coach Juan Pedro Benali on the touchline.
How the Match Unfolded
The opening exchanges were open and competitive, with both sides attacking freely through the flanks. Jithin and Mohammedan's Rochharzela were heavily involved in wide areas, delivering early crosses to test their respective forwards. Mohammedan created the first clear chance in the 13th minute when Thokchom Adison Singh cut inside the box and shot low, only for a deflection to allow goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan to gather comfortably.
After taking a two-goal lead into the break, NorthEast continued to press in the second half. Macarton Louis Nickson, Jithin, and Gaitan all came close to adding a third, while Robin Yadav struck the side-netting from a promising position. Samperio had one final opportunity in the 88th minute but his effort with his weaker foot lacked power and was collected by Deka.
Mohammedan's Difficult Season Ends
Mohammedan Sporting, whose relegation had been confirmed earlier in the season, finished at the bottom of the ISL table with just three points and no wins across the entire campaign. Despite showing intent and commitment throughout the evening, the Kolkata-based side struggled to create clear openings in the final third against an organised NorthEast backline.
NorthEast Sign Off on a Positive Note
Though the Highlanders fell short of a play-off berth this season, Tuesday's result provided a confident send-off. The home side controlled large portions of the second half with composure and swagger, and the victory underlines the platform they can build on ahead of the ISL 2026-27 season.
Point of View
Who spent much of ISL 2025-26 in the lower half of the table and finished with 16 points — well short of play-off contention. The real story is Mohammedan Sporting's historically difficult debut full season, ending without a single win and rooted to the bottom with three points. Their relegation raises pointed questions about the readiness pathway for clubs promoted into the ISL, and whether the league's support structures adequately cushion newly-promoted sides from the structural gap between the lower divisions and the top flight.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of NorthEast United vs Mohammedan SC in ISL 2025-26?
NorthEast United FC beat Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on 19 May 2025. Jairo Samperio and Dinesh Singh Soraisham scored for the Highlanders.
Where did NorthEast United finish in the ISL 2025-26 table?
NorthEast United finished ninth in the ISL 2025-26 final standings with 16 points. The win on the final day moved them up one place in the table.
Why were Mohammedan Sporting relegated from the ISL?
Mohammedan Sporting were relegated after a winless ISL 2025-26 campaign that left them bottom of the table with just three points. Their relegation had been confirmed earlier in the season before the final-day fixture.
Who scored for NorthEast United against Mohammedan SC?
Jairo Samperio opened the scoring with a header in the 19th minute, and Dinesh Singh Soraisham added the second with a deflected strike in first-half additional time — his first ISL goal.
What is the significance of Dinesh Singh Soraisham's goal?
It was Dinesh Singh Soraisham's first goal in the Indian Super League, scored via a deflected strike from outside the box following a short-corner routine. He celebrated the milestone with head coach Juan Pedro Benali on the touchline.
