ISL: NorthEast earn 3-0 win over Chennaiyin

FSDL

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NorthEast United FC produced a commanding performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Centre in Guwahati on Friday. While NorthEast United FC picked up their first win of the season, Chennaiyin FC slipped to their second successive defeat after losing to Odisha FC in their season-opener.

NorthEast United were powered by three Indian goalscorers in Parthib Gogoi, Phalguni Singh and Asheer Akhtar for a thumping victory. The home side took the lead in the 42nd minute when Gogoi drilled a brilliant right-footed strike from outside the box straight into the top right corner. He made the most of a fine assist from Romain Philippoteaux. Northeast doubled their lead three minutes into the second half as a brilliant solo run followed by a defence-splitting pass from Michel Zabaco found Nestor Albiach in the wings. With the ball at his feet, Albiach laid an inch-perfect pass for an onrushing Phalguni, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.

The pressure of trailing by two goals started to show on Chennaiyan FC as coach Owen Coyle was forced to make two substitutions soon after Phalguni's goal. Farukh Choudhary and Lazar Cirkovic were replaced by Irfan Yadwad and Ryan Edwards respectively. There were more changes made by Coyle as just after the hour-mark Alexander Romario Jesuraj and Ayush Adhikari were taken off to bring in Ankit Mukherjee and Jiteshwor Singh. Despite the changes, Chennaiyan failed to create chances.

Chennaiyan's best chance to score in the second half came when Ninthoinganba Meetei made use of his pace to beat Northeast's backline, but Mirshad Michu did well to block the shot. The hosts held on to their lead before putting the tie to bed in added time when Akhtar netted the third goal for his team.

Northeast United will next take on Punjab FC on October 6, while Chenniyan FC host Mohun Bagan Super Giants on October 7.