Jitin MS Opener Cancelled Out in Guwahati Stalemate
NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 draw in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 clash held on Friday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Jitin MS gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute, but Vineeth Venkatesh equalised in the 93rd minute with a goal assisted by Sunil Chhetri.
The match began with an encouraging start for the visitors. Borja Martinez's pass reached Ashique Kuruniyan, whose shot went just wide of the target. A cross from Ryan Williams then led to an effort from Ricky Meitei that bounced off the crossbar, underlining Bengaluru FC's early ambition.
NorthEast United gradually found a foothold in the contest. Alaeddine Ajaraye unleashed a shot from outside the box that was held by goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The hosts were rewarded in the 15th minute when Gonzalez played a pass during a rapid attack to Jitin, who struck with his left foot into the lower left corner of the goal.
Bengaluru FC attempted to hit back. Sohum Warsnaey and Borja both tested goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, who kept his side in front. Borja's shot from the left side of the box was also stopped, while Ashique Kuruniyan's close-range header sailed wide. Jitin and Ajaraye had further chances, but their efforts failed to find the net, and NorthEast United led 1-0 at the interval.
The second half began with both goalkeepers under strain. Gurmeet denied Borja from close range, while Gurpreet kept out two attempts from Ethian. Bengaluru FC then lost Shivaldo Singh to injury, and Sandro Ambalo took his place. The visitors kept pushing, but Ryan Williams and Warsnaey were unable to score.
NorthEast United were forced into changes of their own, as Parthib Gogoi replaced Jithin and Redeem Tlang came on in place of McCarten Nixon. The hosts continued to apply pressure, and Ethian's effort was blocked following a pass from Ajaraye. Abdul Rabeeh's shot from outside the box was also blocked.
Bengaluru FC brought on Sunil Chhetri and Suresh Wangjam as they pursued an equaliser. Chhetri could not convert a Borja cross from inside the box, and Manuel Iriondo's header from a corner went out of play. In the final stages, Ajaraye's free kick struck the crossbar and flew over, keeping the hosts' lead intact for a time.
After five minutes of added time were signalled, Bengaluru FC maintained their push for a late goal. Vineeth missed from the middle of the box after a pass from Monirul Molla, but soon followed with a precise finish. In the closing seconds of stoppage time, a clash between Gurmeet and Aneko Satrustegui sent the ball to Chhetri, who passed to Vineeth inside the box. The substitute placed the ball into the bottom left corner, making it 1-1 and earning Bengaluru FC a valuable point.