Northeast United FC bag a valuable point home in a mind-blowing 6 goal thriller against Chennayin FC.A long-drawn rivalry that yields the very best from both teams entertained each and every spectator once again in a game that had everything a neutral can anticipate. Tons of goals, late equalizer, penalty, heartbreak, tussle between the players, and whatnot. Arguably one of the most thrilling games of this season, Chennayin FC vs Northeast United FC came to a halt with a final score of 3-3.
It didn't take very long for the game to get its first goal after some miscommunication among the Northeast's defense offered Chhangte space and time to take a shot which he beautifully struck the ball from a tight angle into the back of the net to give Chennayin the lead just 8 minutes into the game.
After conceding, Northeast reacted in the best way possible not only by playing with more commitment and gusto but also getting the Equalizer within 6 minutes after conceding, when the Portuguese linchpin Machado made a beautiful run past his marker into a beautiful position and rolled the ball that took a slight deflection and floated into the air only for Imran Khan to react quickly and head the ball into the net. The Manipuri midfielder got his first goal in the Indian top-flight
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After just 15 minutes into the game, the score was 1-1 and both teams had given themselves a confidence booster. The next few minutes of the game continued with both teams creating chances and testing the goalkeepers who at times were a bit sloppy but lucky enough to come out of it safely.
In the 42' minute, Chennayin were really testing North-East's defense and were showing great commitment to once again get into the lead just before halftime. They were rolling the ball near NorthEast's penalty box when Camara came to the rescue and launched it into the air. Deshron Brown due to his physique won the ball against Sylvester and left him splattered on the ground only to realize he was free on goal and had only the keeper to beat. Brown with his pace and strength ran into the keeper and slid the ball into the far corner. A striker's finish and 2-1 to the Highlanders!
In the second half Chennayin completely dominated Northeast in the opening few minutes after scoring 2 goals in quick succession in the opening 5 minutes of the half to once again leave the away side trailing. Chhangte was once again involved in both the goals. He won the penalty for the equalizer and gave them the lead after striking on his own.
North-East United were completely shaken by these two goals and were once again seeking an equalizer and looked out of ideas and luck to get back into the game. But in the final few minutes, North-East seemed to have gained confidence with the positive substitutions of Sylla and Charra and were once again going all in. All of this commitment and sheer belief finally paid off when Sylla made a run to get to the end of a long ball but was shoveled away by Vishal Kaith. The referee instantly pointed to the spot. Now it was in the hands of Machado to save a very very valuable point for his team. Without any mistake, the Portuguese winger made it 3-3 in an enthralling encounter!
Chennayin were completely devastated, their players, coaches everyone had their hands in their head after failing to get all 3 points after such a great performance. Whereas for Northeast, that one point meant a lot because the goal puts them level on points with Hyderabad and Goa and retains the hope of qualifying for the play-offs!
Up next is against the newcomers and rejuvenated SC East Bengal. Hopefully, Gallego returns to orchestrate the game, and Ashutosh Mehta who had a below-average game and an injury come back stronger to help the team.
Up The Highlanders
We Walk Through This Together!
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