ISL 2024-25: Naushad Moosa hails team after qualifying for playoffs with win against Chennaiyin FC

NorthEast United FC assistant head coach Naushad Moosa was delighted with a 3-0 win against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ongoing Indian Super League on Monday. 

Moosa was happy that the players stuck to their game plan as they qualified for the playoffs. Nestor Albiach scored the opening goal for the Highlanders in the seventh minute whereas Jithin MS doubled the team’s lead in the 26th minute.

NorthEast United FC’s talismanic striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his rich form as he scored in the 38th minute to seal the deal for the club.

“I am very happy with the way the boys played. We stuck to our plan and the way we wanted to play, and we did exactly that,” Moosa said in the post-match press conference.

“We got the openings that we were looking for in the first half and scored,” he further added.

Ajaraie scored his 21st goal of the tournament and Moosa showered praise on the Moroccan forward.

“To speak about Ajaraie, it’s not only in the game. He gives the same intensity in training, which you can see in the game. He is a team man. He is a very humble guy,” he remarked.

Moosa lauded the senior duo of Míchel Zabaco and Ajaraie for supporting the young players.

“Our senior players like Captain Míchel Zabaco, and then Ajaraie and Mohammed Ali Bemammer; they have been supporting the young players a lot, and you can see the result in the match,” Moosa continued.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC clinched the Durand Cup earlier in the season and they had missed on ISL playoffs spot in the last season by a solitary point. However, they have made it to the last six of the tournament in this edition.

“We joined (the team) last season. We want to bring a system in place. It’s very important. You don’t get results overnight. It’s a process, and we need to believe in the process.”

“Me working with Mandar (Tamhane), we have been working together. It’s been eight years now that we are working together, and the way we want to bring a system in the game and again get a coach like Juan Pedro Benali, who really helps me a lot when I am talking about development from the youth system, from the reserve squad, is very important. He understands me, understands the players, and gives them those opportunities,” he signed off.

NorthEast United FC will next take on East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Saturday.