ISL 2023-24: Zabaco and Ibson Melo scored two late goals for NorthEast to register a comeback victory of 2-1 against Jamshedpur FC

North East United moved to the third spot in the ISL 2023-24 points table after defeating Jamshedpur FC in a low scoring thriller. Zabaco scored the equalizer in the 90+4 minute and then Melo scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 90+9 minute to make a impossible comeback possible.

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Jamshedpur scored in the first 19th minute of the game after Daniel Chima Chukwu provided his side the lead. Stevanovic was fouled inside the box by goalkeeper Mirshad and Jamshedpur won a penalty kick in the 18th minute.

Mirshad dived to his right to save the penalty shot by Chima Chukwu but the ball fell on the rebound to Chukwu again, who slotted it into the empty net to make it 1-0 for Jamshedpur FC. An unfortunate way to concede a goal but the Highlanders didn't let their shoulders down and fought to clinch a victory.

NEUFC were keeping the majority of possession but were unable to penetrate. The absence of Nestor Albiach was certainly felt in the attack. The first half ended with Jamshedpur leading by 1-0 against the hosts.

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NorthEast looked way better in the second half and came close in few instances but couldn't find the final touch. Jamshedpur's defence was on point everytime the hosts were trying to take them down.

But the visitors finally made a mistake as a long ball from the half line saw Ibson Melo find space to the right of the box and send in a cross to the near post. The ball was headed poorly away by a JFC defender to Zabaco on the far post. He didn't hesitate to tap the ball in for the equalizer. The fans went crazy after seeing their players are giving everything to claim the three points.

The Highlanders kept pushing for the winner and they got it in the closing stages of the game when Philippoteaux went down inside the box under challenge from Dinpuia. The contact seemed minimal but the referee pointed to the spot.

Ibson Melo converted the penalty by sending Rehnesh TP the wrong way as the Guwahati crowd screamed to its loudest in jubilation. A comeback they will remember for a long time.

NorthEast United kept pushing when it looked like it was out of their hands. They take all three points and have now won both their home games in the ISL 2023-24 season.