Chennaiyin FC mounted an impressive comeback to defeat NorthEast United FC 3-2 in an electrifying Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The win marked an important return to form for Owen Coyle’s men after the season resumed following the October international break. Wilmar Jordan Gil was the standout performer with a brace, while Lukas Brambilla also got on the scoresheet, guiding Chennaiyin FC to a crucial three points.
The match began with a fast start from NorthEast United FC, as the home team capitalized on an early opportunity in just the fifth minute. The Highlanders launched a quick counterattack, with Parthib Gogoi finding Nestor Albiach in space inside the penalty box. The Spanish midfielder coolly slotted home to give the hosts an early 1-0 lead, putting pressure on Chennaiyin FC from the outset.
The game quickly turned into an intense, back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to dominate the midfield or take full control. Both sides created multiple chances during the first half. Chennaiyin FC’s Brambilla, along with Connor Shields, worked well in tandem with Farukh Choudhury and Irfan Yadwad to create attacking opportunities. Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute when Shields delivered an excellent corner into the box, where Wilmar Jordan rose highest to head the ball past the NorthEast United goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, bringing the score to 1-1.
With the equalizer, Chennaiyin FC grew in confidence and began to increase the tempo of their play. In the 34th minute, Michel Zabaco’s foul on Ryan Edwards led to a penalty for the visitors. Brambilla stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, giving Chennaiyin FC a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.
The second half continued with Chennaiyin FC pressing their advantage. In the 51st minute, Jordan capitalized on a lapse in concentration from NorthEast United’s defense, scoring his second goal of the match to extend Chennaiyin FC’s lead to 3-1. The Highlanders struggled to create meaningful chances despite dominating possession in the second half. Owen Coyle’s decision to bring on Elsinho provided additional stability for Chennaiyin FC, as they looked to hold onto their lead.
NorthEast United’s chances of a comeback took a blow when Chennaiyin FC’s Laldinliana Renthlei was sent off in the 83rd minute after receiving a second yellow card. However, there was still drama to come. In the 89th minute, Irfan Yadwad fouled Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the penalty box, giving NorthEast United a late opportunity to narrow the deficit. Ajaraie converted the penalty, making it 3-2 and scoring his fifth goal in as many games.
Despite the late pressure from the home side, Chennaiyin FC held on to secure a vital victory. The result marked a significant moment for the team as they aimed to regain momentum in the ISL season, while NorthEast United were left to rue missed chances despite their dominance in possession.
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