Guwahati, April 10 (NationPress) A masterful second-half performance from Joseph Sunny propelled SC Delhi to a decisive 3-0 triumph over NorthEast United FC during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

This victory marks SC Delhi's second straight win of the season, elevating them to eighth place in the standings with eight points, while NorthEast United FC falls to tenth with six points. Joseph Sunny earned the Player of the Match title for his impactful brace.

NorthEast United FC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali implemented two changes, reintroducing captain Miguel Zabaco in defense and adding Ankith P to the attack. SC Delhi, led by assistant coach Noel Joseph due to the suspension of head coach Tomasz Tchórz, made one alteration, giving Paraguayan striker Julio Rivas a starting role.

The match kicked off at a rapid pace, with NorthEast United applying early pressure. Jithin MS challenged goalkeeper Nora Fernandes within the first minute, and Bekey Oram’s curling cross almost caught the keeper off guard, necessitating a swift reaction. SC Delhi countered with attempts from Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar, who both tried their luck from distance.

Despite promising offensive movements from both teams, neither could find the crucial finish in the final third. Jithin consistently posed a threat on the flanks for the Highlanders, while SC Delhi's defense, led by Alex Saji, remained steadfast.

The first half was tightly contested, with a critical challenge from Highlanders defender Dinesh Singh denying Aimen a chance to cross, leaving the teams at a 0-0 stalemate at halftime.

The tempo increased after the break, with both teams exhibiting more attacking ambition. Jairo Samperio, who came on at halftime, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen nearly scored after a powerful run into the box.

The breakthrough came in the 65th minute through a well-executed play by SC Delhi. Aimen’s keen vision unlocked NorthEast United's defense with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger maintained his composure, guiding a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

SC Delhi extended their lead just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run impeccably, controlling the ball past his defender Dinesh before calmly finishing over advancing goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

The visitors continued to assert their dominance, nearly adding a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, assisting Sourav K, whose powerful shot was saved by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a fluid team move. Ousmane Fané surged forward from midfield, linking up with Sunny, who then squared the ball to Aimen. The forward displayed excellent composure, weaving through defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner, sealing the result at 3-0.

NorthEast United persisted in searching for a response during the final moments, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the hosts could not find a breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a commanding 3-0 victory for SC Delhi, marking their continued resurgence with back-to-back wins in the competition.