A sweet home coming for North East United’s Kerala lads Alex Saji and Emil Benny
MANJERI: In one of the notable upsets in Indian Football this season, Hero ISL’s bottom side North East United FC stunned League Shield Winners Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the Hero Super Cup at the Payyanad Stadium last Saturday. While it was a momentous night for the North East United, who won only their second game since October, it was even more special for two of their Kerala lads – defender Alex Saji and forward Emil Benny.
“It was a good game against a good team. Even though they don’t have foreign players, most of the team consists of international players. It was very difficult, so we’re happy for the win and three points,” said Saji, born in Wayanad, less than a hundred kilometres from Manjeri.
After a grim Hero ISL season with just five points from 20 games, NorthEast United had nothing to lose and everything to gain going into the Hero Super Cup. There seemed to be no change in their fortunes when they went down 2-4 to Chennaiyin on the opening day. However, the victory over Mumbai City has ignited their spirits and the belief that they can reach the semi-finals now, which was almost impossible to think of before arriving here in Kerala.
“If we did something here, it’s good for us as a team. We conceded four goals in our first game. The guys were nervous after that, but this win made us very happy and confident. We hope to reach the semi-finals,” said Saji.
The Wayanad-lad had never played in Manjeri before but was made to feel at home by the affectionate crowd. “Malappuram, Kozhikode and the entire Malabar region has a vibrant football culture. They are crazy about the game. People are coming to watch us even during fasting. It’s great to see our friends and family here,” Saji added.
As many as seven players in the NorthEast United squad hail from Kerala – Saji, Benny, Mashoor Shereef, Mohammed Irshad, Jithin MS, Gani Nigam and Mirshad Michu. Before the tournament, head coach Floyd Pinto did hope to receive the backing of the local fans, which is how things have panned out so far.
“I’m very happy to play in Malappuram,” said the other Wayanad-born lad Emil Benny. For Benny, Malappuram is almost like his hometown. “I’ve spent a lot of my younger years here. I’ve got many friends here as I finished my studies and played sevens football here. I have also played practice matches at the Payyanad Stadium before.”
The 22-year-old has rapidly climbed the Indian Football ladder. He formed a key part of the Gokulam Kerala side which won back-to-back Hero I-League titles. Benny was also named the Emerging Player of the League in 2020-21 and was snapped up by NorthEast United at the start of last season.
The Hero Super Cup has allowed Benny to return home and showcase his talent in front of his loved ones. “My family saw me play after a long time. I’m very proud to play in front of them. They are proud of me too. We were ecstatic with the victory after such a long winless run. It’s been a difficult season. We worked very hard (against Mumbai City), and we want to continue the same on Wednesday (against Churchill Brothers).
A win for North East United, coupled with a defeat or a draw for Chennaiyin against Mumbai City, will take Floyd Pinto’s side to the semi-final against Odisha FC
Also Read: PV Priya names U-17 Women’s squad for U-17 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Bishkek
Also Read: India to host Lebanon, Vanuatu and Mongolia in June
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…