In a dramatic match which was interrupted by heavy rain and lightning for 45 minutes, Chennaiyin FC took the lead through Elano Blumer (33rd minute) but NorthEast secured all points through goals from Diomansy Kamara (44th minute) and substitute Silas (72nd minute). The win was NorthEast United’s second consecutive away victory and helped them do the double over Chennaiyin FC, who they had defeated at home in a fiery encounter. NorthEast United have also done the double over defending champions Atletico de Kolkata this season
AGENCIES
CHENNAI
NorthEast United FC came from behind to beat hosts Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in their Indian Super League Season 2 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in front of 19,773 spectators on Wednesday. Elano put the hosts ahead before an equaliser from Diomansy Kamara and a strike from substitute Silas in the second period sealed all three points for the visitors.
Both sides had to deal with tough conditions with rain hammering down in Chennai. It took 15 minutes for the home side to get their first shot of the game when Elano shot from range forcing Highlanders keeper TP Rehensh into a save. Play was suspended for a considerable period due to lightning and when the game resumed both teams took some time to get going.
When the opening goal of the match came in the 33rd minute, it was in truly spectacular fashion. Mehrajuddin Wadoo hit a long ball forward from his own half that was headed out by NorthEast. The ball though fell perfectly for Elano who made no mistake while smashing his volley in from just outside the box to put the hosts up 1-0.
The Highlanders pushed on in search of a leveller before the half-time whistle and were justly rewarded in the 44th minute when Kamara drifted to Chennaiyin FC’s far post to head a cross straight at the Super Machans goalkeeper Apoula Edel. Edel kept the initial effort out but Kamara was quick to pounce on the rebound and make it 1-1.
The home side did try to retake their lead before the break but Rehenesh saved efforts from Thoi Singh and danger-man Elano brilliantly to keep the score at 1-1 with both sides heading into the tunnel at half-time.
NorthEast United FC had the first chance of substance in the second half. It was just six minutes into the second period when Francis Dadzie rose above Chennai’s defence to send a towering header towards goal. The Ghanaian striker just missed the target as Edel who stood helplessly breathed a sigh of relief.
At the other end, Raphael Augusto unleashed a thunderous left-footed shot but Rehenesh produced another scintillating save to keep the scores level. Highlanders head coach Cesar Farias decided to bring on Silas with 20 minutes to spare.
The Portuguese midfield-general made an impact instantly when goal-scorer Kamara turned into provider by threading in a great ball for Silas to run onto. The experienced midfielder made no mistake as he cut in and placed his shot perfectly in the far corner, making it 2-1 in the favour of the visitors.
Chennaiyin FC went chasing an equalizer in the last 10 minutes of the game by introducing Fikru Teferra into the game. The change almost worked with three minutes of normal time left to play when he set up Stiven Mendoza with just the keeper to beat. Mendoza dragged his shot wide as the score remained at 2-1.The last shot of the game came from Silas once again, but this time Edel was equal to the task as the game ended 2-1 with the Highlanders running away with all three points, making it back-to-back away wins which took them to fifth in the table while Chennaiyin FC went down to seventh with 10 points from nine games.
MATCH AWARDS
Club award “ NorthEast United FC
Swift Moment of the Match “ Silas (NorthEast United FC)
Amul Fittest Player of the Match “ Thoi Singh (Chennaiyin FC)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match “ Seityasen Singh (NorthEast United FC)
Hero of the Match “ Rehenesh TP (NorthEast United FC)
