A highly anticipated fixture that never disappoints showcased a 6 goal thriller between Northeast United and Chennaiyin as the end of 90 minutes saw both sides share a point each with an exciting 3-3 draw.
It took just 8 minutes for the Marina Machans to break the deadlock. Jakub Sylvestr’s pass found Chhangte and the Indian international fired in a shot past Subhasish to give his side an early lead.
The Highlanders did not hold back for too long and brought things back on level terms within 6 minutes. Machado’s left footed cross found Imran who bravely headed it past Vishal in the blink of an eye.
Northeast United started a move from a throw in and Khassa Camara’s extraordinary pass found Machado who was through on goal but Vishal Kaith came at rescue for his side to deny him. Manuel Lanzarote on the other end forced Subhasish to make an important save from distance.
Khalid Jamil’s men wanted more. Vishal Kaith was brought into action by Luis Machado and the keeper did well to save his effort but the rebound found Deshorn Brown but Vishal Kaith made up for his mistake by saving Brown’s effort.
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury got very lucky after he made a mistake that could have costed them heavily. He failed to collect the ball but fortunately for Northeast, the ball found Provat Lakra after hitting the woodwork.
Chennaiyin were pilling up alot of pressure on Northeast United but Khassa Camara’s clearance changed the game for them. His clearance cum assist found Deshorn Brown who outsmarted Enes Sipovic with his pace and found the back of the net with a hot strike just before half-time.
Chennaiyin FC started the second half brightly and were awarded a chance to equalise as Lallianzuala Chhangte was brought down by Ashutosh. Manuel Lanzarote scored his first goal in the colours of Chennaiyin as he made no mistake in converting the spot kick.
The Marina Machans did restore their lead as Luis Machado gave away the ball to Edwin who passed it to Chhangte. Chennaiyin’s number 7 scored his fourth of the season as the ball found the back of the net through a deflection from Benjamin Lambot. In 59th minute, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul’s left footed effort was saved by Subhasish’s fingertips.
Northeast United were searching a way back into the game but Chennaiyin FC were a step ahead tactically and did not allow them any spaces. Idrissa Sylla fired one through his left foot but Visha Kaith was alert.
Northeast United did restore parity and came back from behind as Vishal Kaith brought down Idrissa Sylla in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Luis Machado made sure the ball finds the back of net and snatched a point from Chennaiyin’s mouth.
Hero of the Match – Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzuala Chhangte was on his A game against the Highlanders. The Mizo winger scored twice for his side and was a constant threat for Northeast United’s defence.