Mohammedan Sporting Club, already confirmed as the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26's first relegated side, will play their final match of the season against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. While Mohammedan SC play purely for pride, the Highlanders will be eager to sign off their home campaign on a winning note.

Mohammedan SC's Difficult Season

Mohammedan Sporting Club became the first team to be relegated from the ISL this season after a 0-4 defeat to Mumbai City FC in their previous fixture in Kolkata. The Black and White Brigade, who fielded an all-Indian squad throughout the campaign, finish bottom of the standings with just three points from 12 matches, without a single win to their name. They scored just seven goals while conceding 30 — a goal difference that tells the story of a torrid debut season in the top flight.

The club earned promotion to the ISL by winning the 2023-24 I-League title but managed only two seasons in the top tier. They will now compete in the 2026-27 Indian Football League, targeting an immediate return to the ISL.

NorthEast United FC's Season in Review

NorthEast United FC entered the ISL campaign on the back of successfully defending the Durand Cup title but were unable to carry that momentum forward. The Highlanders currently sit 10th in the standings with 13 points from three wins, four draws, and five defeats, carrying a negative goal difference of -3 — having scored 12 goals and conceded 15.

Head Coaches Set the Tone

Mohammedan SC Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo kept his message to the squad simple ahead of the final fixture. 'Give your best!' he said, adding: 'They have been working very hard in training sessions and in all the games, despite having their limited resources. And I expect them to give their best in the next game as well.' On facing NorthEast United at their home ground, Wadoo acknowledged: 'They are very good at home. It's going to be a difficult challenge for us. But yeah, this is the last game, and we want to give our best and finish the league with a win.'

NorthEast United Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali struck a cautious note, warning his players not to underestimate a side with nothing to lose. 'The most important thing is to do the best in the last game because everybody remembers you from the last game. Football has a very short memory, and you are as good as your last game,' Benali said. He added: 'It's a very dangerous game because Mohammedans have nothing to lose and we have to maintain our pride, our honour. We need to have our feet on the floor and be humble.'

Players Speak Ahead of Finale

Mohammedan SC forward Rochharzela, who previously represented NorthEast United, expressed optimism: 'It will be a good match for us because some of the young ones will show how important this match is. I hope that we can put in a great performance tomorrow and end the season with a smile on our faces.'

NorthEast United captain Tondonba Singh reflected the squad's collective resolve: 'We are positive. All our players are ready to put in one last effort. It's really important to win the match and give our fans something to cheer about in our home ground.'

Head-to-Head and What's Next

The last meeting between the two sides at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in January 2025 ended in a goalless draw. NorthEast United FC edged the reverse fixture in Kolkata 1-0, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie scoring the only goal. After Tuesday's match, the clubs head in sharply different directions — Mohammedan SC bracing for life back in the second tier, while NorthEast United FC will look to regroup and mount a stronger ISL challenge next season.