Ajaraie Strike Not Enough As Inter Kashi Stage Comeback At Bambolim

Image Credit: All India Football Federation

NorthEast United FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Inter Kashi in the opening match of Group B of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa, on Sunday. The result marked the first ever encounter between the two sides in what proved to be a competitive contest.

The match got off to a quick start as Inter Kashi took the lead in the 5'. Harmanpreet Singh capitalised on a loose ball to give the I-League champions an early advantage and leave NorthEast's backline unsettled. NorthEast responded well as Spanish playmakers Chema Nunez and Andy Rodriguez orchestrated moves to trouble the Inter Kashi defence. The Durand Cup holders found their rhythm and the pressure paid off in the 18' when Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie fired home the equaliser with a fierce first time shot after connecting with Tondonba Singh's curling cross from the left. Building on this momentum, NorthEast dominated possession and stretched Inter Kashi's defence by utilizing both flanks. In the 40', Miguel Zabaco's header powered past goalkeeper Shubham Dhas to give the Highlanders a 2-1 lead going into half time.

After the break, both teams came out with intensity despite the rainy conditions. NorthEast's defence controlled the early stages of the second half with crisp passing movements between Andy, Dinesh and Redeem. Andy's curling free kick flew just over the crossbar as NorthEast pressed for a third goal. Inter Kashi grew into the game after the hour mark as their passes became sharper and movements more coordinated. In the 66', Sumeet Passi's long range effort went narrowly wide. NorthEast's tempo began to fade as the rain made conditions difficult. The moment Inter Kashi were waiting for came in the 74' when a rare breakdown in NorthEast's defence allowed Karthik Panicker to slide the ball neatly into the net to level the score at 2-2. NorthEast pressed forward in the final 15 minutes searching for a winner. Thoi Singh's deflected shot and Redeem Tlang's close header came close, but Inter Kashi's defence remained resolute to secure a draw at Bambolim.