IFA Shield — NorthEast United beats Sreenidi to qualify for semifinal; Punjab takes on Calcutta Customs

NorthEast United’s 3-0 win over Sreenidi Deccan also saw the Highlanders qualify for the IFA Shield semifinals in Barasat. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

NorthEast United FC began its IFA Shield campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in a Group A fixture at the Barasat Stadium on Saturday.

Jithin MS scored the opening goal, before Danny Laishram doubled the advantage and Alaaeddine Ajaraie completed the scoring in the second half.

Jithin opened the scoring just seven minutes into the contest, after Asheer and Ajaraie combined to set up Jithin, who made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner.

The Highlanders were dealt a blow when Mohammed Arshaf went down injured, forcing an early change in the 24th minute, but Laishram made an immediate impact, doubling the lead after the half-hour mark.

Parthib Gogoi, coming off the bench, set up Ajaraie after the restart as the Moroccan forward netted his 49th goal for the club.

Though Sreenidi continued to search for a breakthrough, the two-time Durand Cup champion proved to be too strong for the Indian Football League side.

The result also saw the Highlanders qualify for the semifinals from the Group.

Punjab FC gears up for IFA Shield clash against Calcutta Customs

On Sunday, the IFA Shield will see Punjab FC take on Calcutta Customs Club in Barasat on Sunday.

The match serves as the first official outing for Punjab’s newly-appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis. The Greek tactician has named a revamped 24-member squad for the tournament.

“We have built a formidable mix of experienced international players, established domestic leaders, and talented young boys from our Roundglass Academy,” Dermitzakis said.

“Calcutta Customs is a resilient side that knows the local conditions very well, but our focus remains on executing our tactical patterns, maintaining our discipline, and starting the group stage with a positive result,” he added.

Calcutta Customs, on the other hand, will start as the underdog after its 1-3 loss against the Indian Super League champion East Bengal FC.

The match will kick off at 2:30 pm.

Published on Sep 26, 2026

Latest on Sportstar

1. Live Blog 2026-09-26T05:10:41+05:30

   Asian Games 2026 LIVE, Day 8: India completes kabaddi golden double; Anahat, Abhay enter finals; Barwal wins historic silver, Tajinderpal wins silver, Prachi wins bronze
2. IFA Shield — NorthEast United beats Sreenidi to qualify for semifinal; Punjab takes on Calcutta Customs
3. Asian Games 2026: Anahat says Olympic spot kept her going in semifinal comeback