NorthEast United FC suffer narrow defeat to Emirates FC in preseason friendly

The Highlanders are in the UAE for a training camp ahead of ISL 3…

NorthEast United FC's first pre-season game against Emirates Football Club, a top division side from the United Arab Emirates, ended with a score-line of 2-1 to the home team. Against a side that was already seven weeks into into its pre-season, NorthEast United FC put in an extremely encouraging performance. Emiliano Alfaro came close on two occasions in the opening half as NEUFC countered with pace and penetration, but it was EFC that struck first with a counter that led to a strike past TP Rehenesh in goal. Katsumi Yusa, who had a brilliant game, levelled things up shortly with a dribbling run past 2 defenders and a neat-one-two with Sasha before placing the ball beyond the keeper. Gustavo Lazzaretti and Mailson were solid at the back improving as the game wore on in extremely humid conditions. Wellington Priori also put in a good shift and imposed himself throughout the first half. The introduction of Seityasen Singh, Halicharan Narzary, Jerry Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Fanai Lalrempuia, Subrata Paul, Rowllin Borges, Shouvik Ghosh, Nirmal Chettri and Sumeet Passi in the second half saw as many as nine Indian players on the pitch as valuable minutes and game time was clocked. Emirates scored mid-way through the second half to regain the lead. NEUFC poured forward and showed glimpses of the attacking arsenal at their disposal. With neat passing exchanges, many dribbles and threatening balls into the box, all that lacked was an equalizer. When the full-time whistle blew, Head Coach, Nelo Vingada was pleased with what he had seen. ( Picture and Report Courtesy to NorthEast United Media) [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]