NorthEast United FC beat Odisha FC 2-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium to record their first win of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 season. The match looked to be ending in a draw until Highlanders striker, Asamoah Gyan struck five minutes from time to seal all three points from his team.

After the fixture, NorthEast winger, Redeem Tlang who scored his team’s first goal, spoke to indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive post-match interview. Here are the excerpts:

Redeem, you became the first player to score for NorthEast United this season. How did you feel after scoring the goal?

Scoring is always good, and I always want to score, want an assist. And today I scored a goal and got an assist from Panagiotis (Triadis). Thanks to him! It’s always good to score at home.

With the win, NorthEast United FC are at top of the league table. How much of a confidence boost does it give to the team?

Three points at a home game and top of the league is good, but it’s too early. Just two matches played. So, I hope we continue this form so that we can be at the top of the table till the end of the season.

Next match is against a very attacking team (FC Goa). So how prepared is the team for that match?

Goa is a good team. They are attacking and they play good football, but this is our home. We will try to play our game and try to get three points.

How happy are you with everyone’s performance in today’s match?

Everyone gave their best. Those who came in gave their 100 per cent. We got the three points, that’s good enough for us.

Do you have anything to say to the fans who have been cheering for you guys all night?

The fans’ support is always good. Football is all about the fans. Without them there is no football, so I think there was good support for us today and I hope there is more to come in the next few matches.

From Odisha’s end, midfielder, Xisco Hernandez shared his opinion on the disappointing result. Here are the excerpts:

Xisco, it was a tough fight, a tough battle. What do you think was the difference between the two teams today?

I think the red card was detrimental for the team. I think the teamwork was fine, very strong. I am satisfied with the team. The team worked hard. Now it's time for recovery, for thinking what we did wrong. It's time to start thinking for the next match.

In terms of how the team is training together. What do you think the chemistry is?

The team inside the pitch, outside the pitch, is together. All the players are working together. For me, it's all fine. Step by step, the results will come.

Read the Match Report here.