Abdul Rabeeh excels as NorthEast United beat Churchill Brothers 2-0 in Goa
NorthEast United FC defeated Churchill Brothers 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa in an Indian Super League 2026-27 fixture on 5th November, with Abdul Rabeeh among the standout performers and Sayad Kadir coming in for criticism. Ethyan Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 18th minute and Antonio Moyano sealed the victory in stoppage time as NorthEast moved to the top of the table.
Churchill Brothers began the match strongly but were unable to convert pressure into a goal, with Wayde Lekay and Sebastian both producing close efforts. NorthEast struck first through Ethyan Gonzalez and later extended the lead when Moyano scored in the 93rd minute, keeping NorthEast’s unbeaten run intact and allowing them to leapfrog Mohun Bagan in the standings. The result also extended a run without a clean sheet for Churchill Brothers, who have now gone four games without one.
Goalkeeper Sayad Kadir made two saves during the match but was faulted for failing to stop the opening goal, getting fingertips to the ball without preventing it crossing the line. Gaonkar received the captain’s armband after Kingslee left the field, while Anil produced moments that created chances for Sebastian and Lekay. The Nigerian centre back received an early yellow card following a tussle with Satrustegui, yet contributed to a defence that faced comparatively fewer shots and shots on target than the Red Machines.
In midfield, Assisi completed the most touches and won three ground duels but was noted for lacking the recovery pace required during counter-attacks, which left gaps in the Churchill backline. Deny struggled on the left flank and was repeatedly outplayed by Jithin MS, while Salou produced a steady showing, creating a chance and helping retain possession when Churchill were behind. The captain was singled out for a costly error that led to the move resulting in the first goal, as Ajaraie accelerated, fed Jithin and Gonzalez finished from the resulting cross.
The Churchill attack featured mixed performances: a Goan winger was tightly marked by Rabeeh and struggled to create, the Colombian attacking midfielder missed narrowly on several occasions while completing the most chances and dribbles of the match, and the South African striker had multiple shooting opportunities but opted to pass on occasions. Luwang squandered a clear opening after a rebound from Gurmeet, Stendly had an off night with one off-target shot, and late attacking changes including Okoli and Bora failed to alter the scoreline.
At the other end, Gurmeet produced four saves and recorded his third clean sheet of the season, making several crucial interventions. Redeem returned to the starting XI and registered ten defensive contributions including four clearances, three interceptions and two tackles, while Eneko completed 30 of 34 passes, made two ball recoveries and produced a vital clearance off the line. Pramveer delivered 12 defensive contributions, comprising 11 clearances and one tackle, and won the majority of his ground and aerial duels.
Abdul Rabeeh completed four tackles, seven ball recoveries and provided the assist for Moyano’s second goal with an advanced run into the box. Mayakkannan made five clearances and two ball recoveries with a passing accuracy of 68%, while Antonio Moyano scored in stoppage time, won possession in important areas and executed one key pass. Jithin created one big chance, recorded three key passes and supplied the assist for Ethyan’s opening strike; Ethyan’s goal was his debut Indian Super League goal, taken with his right foot at the 18th minute.
Churchill Brothers suffered a 0-2 home defeat to NorthEast United FC on 5th November, with Ethyan Gonzalez scoring in the 18th minute and Antonio Moyano adding the second in the 93rd minute to secure the win for NorthEast United FC.
