Goa: Two sumptuous strikes from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Anirudh Thapa propelled Chennaiyin FC to a 2-1 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Monday. VP Suhair got one for the Islanders through it was not enough as Khalid Jamil’s men suffered their second defeat of the season with still searching for a victory.
Despite the results, it was NorthEast who saw the early openings. Federico Gallego’s quality was seen testing the Chennaiyin the defence a few while VP Suhair and Laldanmawia Ralte too had opportunities in the opposition box but were unable to finish.the Marina Machans broke the deadlock through Chhangte, who had earlier attempted one over the bar had pounced on a lose ball given away by Khassa Camara before striking it home with his left feet after a deflection off the bar.
VP Suhair, five minutes into the second half equalised for the Islanders after being left relatively unmarked guiding the ball past Vishal Kaith from a long-throw in by Provat Lakra.
Both the sides had their fair share of the chances in the half but none were that much productive. Mirlan Murzaev found one for the Machans at the back of the net but Rahim Ali’s through ball to the Kyrgyz man was taken down offside.
Chennaiyin got the winner as Muzarev laid one off for Anirudh Thapa who sprinted full pace to go past marker Camara before unleashing a fierce shot as NEUFC goalkeeper Subhashish Roy to seal the deal.
