ISL 3: NorthEast look to turn tables on Pune as playoffs beckon

New Delhi: NorthEast United FC coach Nelo Vingada has not lost faith in his team’s ability despite a run of form that has seen them without a win for the last six matches in the Hero Indian Super League.

Draws against Delhi Dynamos and Atletico de Kolkata were the only solace for NorthEast United who have lost four of their last six matches but Vingada is confident they can turn the tables as they come up against an inspired FC Pune City at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.

NEUFC set the early pace with back-to-back victories against Kerala Blasters and FC Goa in their first two matches at home but then lost their next three matches in front of their home fans. They have two more games remaining at home and Vingada has no doubt they can upset calculations and qualify for the semi-finals. NorthEast United are currently seventh with 11 points from 10 matches, the same as bottom-placed FC Goa who have played an additional match.

However, the teams are so close to each other that a win will take them close to qualification.

NEUFC will be up against Pune, who dethroned Delhi Dynamos, largely acknowledged as the best team in the league at the moment.

Pune scored a 4-3 win over the Dynamos to climb to fourth with 15 points from 11 matches and coach Antonio Habas believes the victory will help them navigate a tough run of away matches.