NorthEast United FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Inter Kashi in their opening Group B match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa, on Sunday, October 26.

The two-time Durand Cup champions scored through Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the 18th minute and Miguel Zabaco in the 40th minute. However, Inter Kashi, featuring an all-Indian lineup, found the net first through Hanmanpreet Singh in the 5th minute and later equalised via Karthik Panicker in the 74th minute to earn a point.

Early Drama in Rainy Conditions

This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and both teams showed great energy despite the rainy conditions in Bambolim.

The match began at a frantic pace. Just five minutes in, Inter Kashi took an early lead when Hanmanpreet Singh slotted home a loose ball, taking advantage of confusion in the NorthEast defence.

NorthEast United responded quickly. Spanish duo Chema Núñez and Andy Rodríguez created several clever moves, while forwards Ajaraie and Parthib Gogoi tested the Inter Kashi defenders with sharp attacks inside the box.

NorthEast Take Control Before Half-Time

Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie smashed in a first-time shot from Tondonba Singh’s curling cross to make it 1-1.

Building on that momentum, NorthEast United dominated possession and stretched Inter Kashi’s defence with quick passing down both wings. In the 40th minute, Miguel Zabaco rose highest to head home and give NorthEast a 2-1 advantage going into the break.

Inter Kashi Fight Back in Second Half

After the restart, NorthEast United continued to control the tempo. Andy Rodríguez came close to extending the lead with a curling free kick that went just over the bar.

However, Inter Kashi slowly grew into the match after the hour mark. Sumeet Passi nearly equalised in the 66th minute with a long-range effort that missed by inches. As the rain intensified, NorthEast’s rhythm dropped, allowing Inter Kashi to regain momentum.

In the 74th minute, a defensive lapse from NorthEast gave Karthik Panicker the chance to calmly slot the ball into the net, levelling the score at 2-2.

Late Push Fails to Secure Winner

NorthEast United pressed hard in the closing stages. Thoi Singh’s deflected shot and Redeem Tlang’s close-range header nearly found the target, but Inter Kashi’s defence held strong to secure a well-earned draw.