NorthEast United disappoint yet again, lose 1-2 after taking lead

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) continued its poor form and let go of an early advantage to lose 1-2 against Chennaiyin FC in match 68 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 at PJN Stadium, Margao, Goa on Saturday. NEUFC had a dream start as Laldanmawia Ralte broke the deadlock and put them ahead in the 35th minute.

However, soon after halftime, Ariel Borysiuk scored the equaliser for Chennaiyin FC. Vladimir Koman scored the winner in the 58th minute and helped earn Chennaiyin FC earn three crucial points and move to the Top 4 in the points table.

It was the same old story for NEUFC today. Chennaiyin started the first half well and looked like scoring on several occasions. However, NEUFC were fortunate to be the first ones to score and go into the second half with a lead. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Debjit Majumder was the culprit as he came off his line and conceded a corner.

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Off the flag-kick, he again did some sloppy work and Laldanmawia Ralte made no mistake to score the for the NorthEast United. Chennaiyin could not convert their opportunities. Anirudh Thapa was the standout player for them and created several chances inside the NEUFC box but NEUFC was the lucky side to not concede any, in the first half.

However, the hard work of the Marina Machans paid off in the second half as Ariel Borysiuk helped them equalise in the 52nd minute. Six minutes later, a magical free-kick by Vladimir Koman missed everyone, including the keeper and went into the back of the nets, giving Chennaiyin a well-deserved win and catapulting them to the third position with 18 points.

Slavko Damjanovic won the Hero of the Match award. NEUFC next play Mumbai City FC on January 25.