NorthEast United hosted Chennaiyin FC to resume club football following the league’s 12-day hiatus for International games. Nestor gave the home team the lead, but ultimately, 10-man Marina Machans defeated the Highlanders 3-2 with goals from Lukas Brambilla and Wilmar Jordan. From Jordan’s brace to Dinliana’s dismissal, let’s examine some of the game’s major moments.
Northeast United, coming off a 3-3 tie against FC Goa at Fatorda, made four changes to their starting lineup. Robin Yadav, who was sent off against the Gaurs in the last game was replaced by Dinesh Singh at right-back while Tondonba Singh started as the left back replacing Samte. In the middle of the park, Bemammer was replaced by Hamza Regragui, while Parthib took Thoi Singh’s place on the wings In contrast, Owen Coyle made only one change to the team that drew 0-0 with Hyderabad FC. Wilmar Jordan Gil received his first start in Chennaiyin colors on his birthday.
Nestor Albiach gave the Highlanders the lead after just five minutes, allowing the home team to break the deadlock. Nestor’s fantastic move set Jithin free on the right flank, who then found Parthib, whose cross toward the six-yard box was turned in by Nestor. Shortly after, Nestor dribbled well past Hnamte and found the Ajaraie inside the box with plenty of room, giving the Moroccan a fantastic chance to double the advantage. Ajaraie’s left-footed shot, however, missed the mark. He’d be sad not to convert this opportunity given his form.
Ten minutes into the match, Brambilla dribbled past Tondonba and blasted a shot on goal, but Gurmeet comfortably saved it, giving Chennayin their first attempt on goal of the match. A few minutes later, Shields ran forward brilliantly, evading a few opponents, but Mayakannan in the six-yard box intercepted his cross. Brambilla made an excellent effort to regain the ball and then put a risky through pass to Irfan Yadwad, who had a great chance to equalize in the 20th minute. However, Owen Coyle was clearly irritated on the sidelines when Irfan’s shot went off target.
After outstanding play from Jithin, Nestor, and Ajaraie, Northeast had another chance to double their advantage. Ajaraie’s last attempt was deflected off Nestor, resulting in a goal kick. Wilmar Jordan gave Marina Machans the lead with an excellent header from a corner kick about twenty-five minutes into the match. All Jordan needed to do was tap the incredible cross into the goal from Connor Shields, who took the corner. Irfan made a fantastic move forward just before the first-half drinks break, beating both Tondonba and Regragui. However, his final ball was poor because he was indecisive on whether to shoot or pass, giving Asheer ample time to clear the ball away.
The Marina Machans had a chance to grab the lead when Northeast gave up a penalty just minutes after the drinks break. Ryan Edwards was brought down by Zabaco grabbing his shirt, and the referee saw it correctly and pointed to the spot. Lukas Brambilla scored his first goal in Chennaiyin colors and gave his team the lead with a perfect penalty kick. Ajaraie had a chance to equalize shortly before halftime, but Samik denied him with a rushing effort. Parthib got another chance, but his feeble header from Ajaraie’s cross missed the target. Three further minutes were added at the end of the first half, which finished 2-1 in favor of the away team.
Chennaiyin doubled their lead by scoring about five minutes into the second half like Northeast did five minutes into the first half. Ajaraie gave up the ball to Dinliana, who delivered a wonderful cross into the box, which was effectively received and skillfully finished by Wilmar Jordan to complete his brace. While the Northeast players were waiting for an offside flag, Jordan was onside, and the goal remained. Benali replaced Regragui, who was clearly unhappy, with Bemammer right away.
An hour into the match, after a brilliant move involving Jordan, Brambilla, and Shields, the latter found Farukh at the edge of the box, but his attempt missed the mark. Bemammer received the game’s first yellow card. Owen Coyle made his first substitution of the game, replacing Wilmar Jordan with Daniel Chima. Both coaches made additional changes, replacing Parthib with Thoi Singh and Brambilla with Elsinho. Dinliana and Samik Mitra received successive yellow cards for Chennaiyin FC.
Asheer Akthar had a chance to give the Highlanders a response with a quarter of the game remaining, but his shot went completely off target. Chennaiyin FC was solid defensively, avoiding every threat as Northeast United pushed for more. The Marina Machans played the last few minutes with ten men after Dinliana was sent off in the 83rd minute. By making a little touch off the corner, Ajaraie attempted to deceive the opponent and let another Northeast player rush straight at them. Dinliana, however, saw it and quickly cleared the ball. The referee’s decision to dismiss Dinliana was an awful one.
With a man down, the Marina Machans were protecting their two-goal lead. With two minutes remaining, Chennaiyin gave up a penalty, which made matters even worse. Ajaraie made no mistakes in scoring from the spot, bringing his ISL tally to five goals in five games. At the end of the second half, six more minutes were added. As the referee blew the final time whistle, Owen Coyle’s team had won 3-2 despite late attempts from the Highlanders to tie the score.
Over the last two games, Owen Coyle has been pleading with his strikers to be more clinical, and he would be pleased to see his team score three goals tonight, much like they did against Odisha. Even though the Scottish coach would be pleased to get all three points, he would be upset with his defense for conceding soft goals yet again. Marina Machans will face FC Goa at home in their next game.
On the other hand, Juan Pedro Benali would be utterly disappointed with his team’s performance in front of their home crowd. In yet another instance this season, the Highlanders took the lead but lost points, which would irritate the Spanish head coach. Although his team has scored nine goals this season, they also conceded nine goals, suggesting that Northeast’s defense has to improve. Their next match will be against Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC.
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