Jerry Mawia double as Odisha FC score six past NorthEast United

(Courtesy : Durand Cup Media)
Nandhakumar, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Thoiba Singh and Diego Mauricio were the other scorers for the Men of Steel.
In what turned out to be a clinical and professional performance in the end, Josep Gombau’s confident Odisha FC (OFC) rode on a first half-brace, which included two strikes in 23 minutes, by Jerry Mawihmingthanga, to run out comfortable 6-0 winners against NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), in Assam’s first ever Durand Cup game at Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium.
The first game of Group D meandered a little in the second half, but with Isak’s late strike lightening it up, Odisha put in another three-goal blitz in nine minutes to complete half a dozen.
The damage had been done in the first half for Subam Rabha’s rebuilding side by the trio of Jerry, Nandhakumar Sekar and Spanish midfielder Pedro Martin primarily. The end just put an authoritative stamp on a story that had been written much before. Had it not been for the good game that Nikhil Deka had under the bar for the Highlanders, the damage could have been far greater.
[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]
Hon. Chief Minister, Assam, Shri. Himanta Biswa Sarma, leads ceremonial opening
The 131st Durand Cup is being supported in Assam by the Government of Assam and Hon. Chief Minister, Shri. Himanta Biswa Sarma led the ceremonial opening on the historic occasion of the first-ever Durand Cup match in Assam.
The ceremony also included an Armed Forces bands display as well as a stellar performance of the tournament theme song by star singers Papon and Rewben Mashangwa.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the FIFA Theme song and the introduction of dignitaries with the players and their photos with the teams and the Trophies.
[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]
Jerry Mawihmingthanga stars in the first-half
Odisha FC were on the attack from the initial stages itself barring a couple of early forays by the Highlanders. Jerry opened the scoring in the 14th minute, concluding with a fine finish to a well-worked-out team move.
Eleven minutes later the Juggernaut’s keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte got into the act with an accurate throw-out across the field to find Nandhakumar on the left. The Salem lad showed a bit of trickery to take out two defenders before nailing a shot in the top corner. Jerry got his second a few minutes later, getting at the end of a Raynier, Pedro, Nadha move to put the game at rest.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]
Late dazzle in second half
Odisha FC came out comfortable in the second half with the natural inclination of asking NorthEast United to make the play but their opponents were not on it today. Gombau brought out his substitutes and all three responded with goals showing the hunger in the team.
Isak it was first with a brilliant header off a Nandha corner and then Diego Mauricio with a wonder free-kick, before Thoiba Singh in the final minute of the game tapped the six to make it a day to forget for the Highlanders.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, and Instagram and join our community on Telegram.
Related News
- Cristiano Ronaldo reveals unexpected reason why he still hasn't married Georgina Rodriguez
- Cristiano Ronaldo 'urged to retire' by former Chelsea striker to avoid tarnishing his legacy
- Uruguay vs Argentina: Live streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Barcelona star Raphinha hits 50 goal contribution mark for 2024-25 season
- Rasmus Hojlund explains why he copied Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'Siu' celebration
- Who are the top 11 active goalscorers in international football?
- Top 13 international goalscorers of all time; Cristiano Ronaldo, Sunil Chhetri & more
- Top seven best matches to watchout for in March International break 2025
- What is Cristiano Ronaldo's record against Denmark?
- Players to register 50+ goals & 50+ assists for Manchester United in Premier League