NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali is happy to secure a point as his side played out a 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium in Jamshedpur on Wednesday.

Despite Imran Khan giving the home side the lead with a goal in the 33rd minute of the first half, the visitors mounted a strong comeback in the second half. Mohammed Bemammer's powerful long-range shot found the back of the net, leaving Jamshedpur FC custodian TP Rehenesh with no chance.

With this point, NorthEast United FC maintain its sixth position with 13 points from 13 matches, while Jamshedpur FC remain in the tenth position with 10 points from 13 matches.

The Spaniard shared his insights on how his team performed in the match.

"In the first half, we were not very good with the ball. We were not arriving at the second ball. We were just a little bit sloppy, losing the ball within two or three consecutive passes. We were very nervous with the ball,” Benali said in the post-match press conference.

“And in the second half, we were much better. We arrived a lot (to win the balls) and I think we wanted to take a point from here,” he added.

Benali made an early substitution in the second half, replacing Parthib Gogoi with Redeem Tlang in the 51st minute. The substitute added a significant amount of pace down the right flank

Speaking in the context, he said, “That was the time I needed to put Redeem (Tlang) in. It's, you know, to change the style of the team a little bit. We needed to play in a different way. And it worked.”

Australian forward Tomi Juric made his debut for the Highlanders, replacing Nestor Albiach in the 68th minute. The number 9 almost secured three points for his side, but his right-footed effort from close range was saved by Rehenesh.

“Well, it was very good. He gave us a lot of things. He was giving a lot of threat to the defenders. Shame that, actually, he couldn't score,” he said.

“But we can see he's the real number nine. And we needed it. He needs rhythm. And every day, we'll see. He'll give us a lot, of course,” Benali opined.

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