Latest news with #AlaaeddineAjaraie
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Lalbiaknia takes the ISL leap with Highlanders
After ensuring that last season's ISL topscorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie stays on with them for another year, NorthEast United FC , on Sunday, announced the addition of more firepower to their attack by the signing of young Indian striker, Lalrinzuala Labiaknia. Lalbiaknia, who grabbed the spotlight in the 2023-24 season by breaking the record of most goals in an I-League season held by Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi with a tally of 15 goals, saw his contract with Aizawl FC expire after the 2024-25. However, it was the natural progression for one of the most exciting striking talents in the country to move into the top-tier Indian Super League after a brilliant journey in I-League with Aizawl FC — scoring another 12 goals for the Mizoram club during the last season. And the Mizo youngster was glad to have made his first stride in ISL with the club that represents the northeast. "I come from this region, so joining NorthEast United FC is a truly proud moment for me. When I heard about the offer, I instantly knew this was where I wanted to be," Lalrinzuala said. "Playing in ISL will be a new challenge, but I'm ready to give my best, score goals, and contribute to the team's success. I'm excited for this journey, and I believe we can achieve great things together." Head coach Juan Pedro Benali, who held the reins in a brilliant season for the Highlanders and one where they added their first silverware with the Durand Cup, was also excited to enhance the dynamism upfront with the inclusion of the 23-year-old striker. "We are delighted to welcome Lalrinzuala to the team," the coach said in a club statement. "He is a young Indian striker who brings a different profile to our attack with good instincts in the box. He has proved himself with consistency, and I believe he has the potential to grow immensely with us." NEUFC have been at work on strengthening their squad for the next season with the contract renewal by two years of defender Dinesh Singh and midfielder Fredy Chawngthansanga, apart from the staying back of their Moroccan star Ajaraie.
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
ISL 2024-25: Forwards who fired up the season
New Delhi [India] May 18 (ANI): Forwards are the heartbeat of any team's attack. They do more than just score goals--they change the tempo, break stalemates, and carry the weight of hope. This season, they once again delivered when it mattered most, rising to the occasion and leaving a lasting impact. The top forwards of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 proved their worth time and again, according to the official website of ISL. From Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie to legend Sunil Chhetri, Jamie Maclaren to Jesus Jimenez, these forwards delivered some of the most captivating moments of the 2024-25 season, marked by sheer brilliance. Alaaeddine Ajaraie burst onto the scene in his debut season with NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), making history by winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. He set a new league record for the most braces in a single season and became the first player to score three consecutive braces. The Moroccan star also made ISL history as the first player to score over 20 goals (23) and to register more than 25 goal contributions (30) in one season. Sunil Chhetri continues to surpass expectations, leading the ISL's all-time top scorers list while delivering an impressive season with 14 goals--the second-highest tally of his career. Besides being the highest Indian goalscorer this season, he made 16 goal contributions in the season, matching his career best. Chhetri led by example, playing a crucial role in Bengaluru FC's (BFC) push to the playoffs and their journey to the ISL Cup final. The Australian forward, Jamie Maclaren, enjoyed a remarkable season, bagging 12 goals -- the highest by any Mariner (MBSG) this season. His consistent scoring has been vital for Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) as they completed an ISL double for the first time in the club's history. Maclaren's clutch finishing and predatory instincts in the box lit up the league, with his dynamic goal-scoring prowess in full swing. Jesus Jimenez made a great impact in a short time. The Spanish forward scored 11 goals in the 2024-25 season, the second-highest such tally by any Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) player in their debut season for the club. Jimenez recorded a shot conversion rate of 25.6% (11 goals from 43 shots), the second-highest such rate among players with a minimum of 10 shots this term. Luka Majcen played a pivotal role in Punjab FC's (PFC) attacking third. The Slovenian forward bagged 10 goals this season, the highest by any PFC player in the 2024-25 season. Despite suffering a jaw injury in the opening phase, Majcen averaged 0.5 goals per game and maintained a 28.57% goal conversion rate. Nikolaos Karelis was a constant threat in Mumbai City FC's (MCFC) attacking line throughout the 2024-25 season. The Greek forward enjoyed a standout debut campaign, finishing as the Islanders' top scorer with 10 goals to his name. He also maintained a 25% goal contribution rate and averaged 0.53 goals per game. Diego Mauricio was once again an integral part of Odisha FC's (OFC) offensive unit. Mauricio scored nine goals and provided six assists, playing an all-around role throughout the season. The Brazilian created 19 chances, attempted 13 successful dribbles, and won 47 duels while also recording a 23.08% goal conversion rate. Jason Cummings adapted well to his playmaking role this season, excelling with seven goals and six assists, and has been a dynamic presence in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's attack, especially in the second half of the season. Cummings showcased his wealth of attacking talent with exceptional goal-scoring and creative prowess, remaining a nightmare for opposing defenders. He also created 25 chances this season and recorded 54 touches in the opponent's box. Iker Guarrotxena played an anchoring role in FC Goa's (FCG) attacking unit. Guarrotxena registered 10 goal contributions this season while also creating 14 chances. The Spaniard's ability to produce decisive goals under pressure made him FC Goa's key man in crucial situations. Noah Sadaoui was a livewire on Kerala Blasters FC's wings with his burst of pace, sheer quality, and skill set. Boasting an inherent playmaking ability, Sadaoui became the first player to register 200 progressive carries in the 2024-25 season. He also racked up seven goals and five assists in his 19 ISL appearances for the Blasters. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
ISL 2024-25: Debutants who have stolen spotlight with standout performances
New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): Every Indian Super League (ISL) season brings a wave of emerging talent, and the 2024-25 campaign was no different. From marquee signings like Jamie Maclaren to unexpected breakout stars such as Alaaeddine Ajaraie, whose performances lit up the league, this season's debutants truly made their mark, as per the official website of ISL. Whether it was promising youngsters rising through the ranks of their boyhood clubs or smart additions like Edgar Mendez, who quickly proved their worth, new faces lit up the season. With the season now behind us, it's time to spotlight the debutants who left a lasting impression. Settling into a star-studded squad isn't always straightforward, as Australian forward Jamie Maclaren found out. Despite his high-profile reputation and proven goal-scoring record, Maclaren needed time to adjust to the dynamics and style of play under Mohun Bagan Super Giant's (MBSG) system. However, as the season unfolded, he proved his quality, finishing with 12 goals and two assists. Most importantly, it was his decisive goal that secured the ISL Cup title for the Mariners, etching his name into the club's history and proving his worth as a key signing. Few would have predicted the outstanding impact of Alaaeddine Ajaraie at the start of the season--not even his own teammates. The Moroccan forward quickly adapted, excelling in both direct and transitional phases of play. He imposed himself in tight spaces and proved deadly when chances came his way, becoming NorthEast United FC's (NEUFC) true x-factor. His remarkable tally of 30 goal contributions--23 goals and 7 assists in just 25 appearances, including seven braces--made it a season to remember. Dominating in his debut year, Ajaraie earned both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. Now signed on for another term, Juan Pedro Benali clearly has a star in his ranks. Akash Mishra missed the entire season due to injury, and with Sahil Panwar struggling with fitness and form, Nathan Rodrigues seized the opportunity for Mumbai City FC with open arms. Making his debut against Bengaluru FC (BFC), Rodrigues impressed not only with his defensive solidity and contribution to clean sheets but also with his attacking flair, carrying the ball forward and registering three goals and an assist. A pacey and technically gifted left-back, Rodrigues combined creativity with a genuine goal threat, quickly establishing himself as a key player. The arrival of Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz was hailed as a major boost for Bengaluru FC as they sought to revive their campaign under Gerard Zaragoza. However, it was perhaps Spanish striker Edgar Mendez who truly won over the BFC faithful in his debut season. His burgeoning partnership with Sunil Chhetri and Ryan Williams proved crucial. In his first campaign with the Blues, Mendez scored nine goals and provided four assists, playing a vital role in driving the team's attacking momentum throughout the season. Jesus Jimenez faced the daunting task of replacing Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos but managed the challenge well despite the Kerala Blasters FC's overall inconsistency. Jimenez started the season in fine form, scoring in nine of the opening 12 games. Though injuries interrupted his momentum, he still finished with a respectable 11 goals and one assist in 18 appearances during his debut ISL season. Bengaluru FC academy graduate Vinith Venkatesh showed glimpses of immense potential with a breakthrough season in midfield. Across 19 appearances, the 19-year-old contributed a goal and two assists at pivotal moments. Venkatesh impressed with his composure, vision, and precise distribution, while his quality delivery on set pieces and crosses added an extra dimension to BFC's attack. It's clear the club has another rising talent ready to shine in the years ahead. Playing in his first season in the Indian Super League, Mayakkannan proved to be a valuable addition for NEUFC. The central midfielder displayed impressive composure on the ball and complemented the experienced Mohammed Ali Bemammer in the middle of the park. The 27-year-old featured in 24 matches over the course of the season, recording 105 ball recoveries, 23 interceptions, 15 chances created, and one assist, highlighting his all-round contribution to the team's engine room. Notable mentions are Andrei Alba (Hyderabad FC), David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal FC), and Mirjalol Kasimov (Mohammedan SC). (ANI)
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Alaaeddine to stay at NEUFC for another season
Kolkata: Twenty nine goals in 32 the jaw-dropping stats that Alaaeddine Ajaraie produced in his first-ever season with NorthEast United FC . And to the delight of the Highlanders supporters, the ISL Golden Boot winner has decided to stay on with NEUFC for the 2025-26 season."NorthEast United FC are delighted to announce that Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Boot and the Golden Ball winner, will stay with the club for the 2025-26 season," NEUFC announced in a statement on Moroccan striker had joined the ISL club at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a contract that included an option for a second year, "contingent upon meeting specific performance criteria"."Following a stellar debut season in Indian football, the Moroccan forward fulfilled those requirements, automatically activating the contract extension. Ajaraie was also keen to continue his journey with the club and had expressed his desire to stay on and build on the momentum throughout the season," the club added in the 32-year-old scored on his debut for NEUFC in a Durand Cup match against BSF and continued his form throughout the tournament — including a crucial goal, an assist and a strike in the penalty shoot-out against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the played a pivotal role in winning NEUFC their first silverware with the Durand Cup and delivered a record-breaking 23 goals and seven assists in 25 matches that earned him the ISL Golden Ball and Golden Moroccan capped off the season with his first hat-trick for NEUFC during a dominant 6-0 win over Mohammedan SC in Kalinga Super Cup."I am happy here. NorthEast feels like home now. My teammates and the staff played a crucial role in my successful first season and I am confident we can achieve even more together next season. I am eager to continue this journey and win significant titles with this fantastic club," Ajaraie a lot of interest from various ISL clubs, Ajaraie's decision to continue his journey with NEUFC has also delighted head coach Juan Pedro Benali."We are absolutely thrilled that Alaaeddine will continue with us. His impact, both on the field with his fantastic performances and off it with his exemplary character and support for his teammates, has been immense. He's a true role model for our young players and we eagerly anticipate another successful season together," Benali added.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Kalinga Super Cup: Inter Kashi fall to Mumbai City; Jamshedpur Edge past NorthEast United
Bhubanewsar, April 27 (IANS) Mumbai City booked their place in the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Kashi at the Kalinga Stadium. Giant-killers Inter Kashi's run in the Kalinga Super Cup came to a halt at the hands of Mumbai City on Sunday. After shocking Bengaluru FC via penalty shoot-out in the pre-quarterfinals, the expectation from Inter Kashi was sky-high. But despite all their efforts to continue the dream run in the knockout tournament, Inter Kashi succumbed to Mumbai's constant pressure that resulted in Lallianzuala Chhangte netting the only goal of the early quarterfinal at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Mumbai City will take on Jamshedpur FC in the semifinal as the latter held their nerves to beat NorthEast United FC 5-4 via penalty shoot-out after the second quarterfinal of the day finished goalless in regulation time. There was hardly anything to separate the two Indian Super League (ISL) sides in the evening game as they matched each other in almost every aspect — be it defending with grit or showing profligacy in front of the goal. ISL Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie failed to find his goalscoring touch as the Jamshedpur box was guarded by an ever-alert Stephen Eze , who was adjudged Player of the Match for his efforts. Ajaraie's only notable effort came in the second half when he was denied by the near upright from left. As 90 minutes failed to provide any winner, the game headed to shoot-out.
