NorthEast comeback sinks CFC
CHENNAI: An inspired NorthEast United FC bounced back from 1-3 down to beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 in an Indian Super League match here Thursday, handing the defending champions their third straight defeat of the season. Bartholomew Ogbeche was the star for the Highlanders with a stupendous hat-trick, which helped the visitors neutralise Chennaiyin FC’s advantage.
NEUFC also went top of the standings with seven points following their second win from three games while CFC languish at the bottom after earlier losses to Bengaluru FC, FC Goa.
The game got off to a fast start with both teams looking to seize the early advantage. The home team, with the influential Jeje Lalpheklua missing out on the starting XI, tested the rival defence and a corner taken by Isaac which was headed in by Borges into his own goal.
Thoi Singh scored his first goal for Chennaiyin FC, in the 15th minute, after latching on to a pass from Isaac as the host doubled the lead. NEUFC bounced back through skipper Ogbeche. He scored his first in the 29th minute, a typical poacher’s goal.
Three minutes later, the home side increased the lead to 3-1 as Thoi Singh added to his tally after he was set up brilliantly from the left by Raphael Augusto.NEUFC hit back when Ogbeche scored in the 37th minute to reduce the margin to 2-3.The visitors levelled the game two minutes later as the Nigerian beat the CFC goalie with a perfectly timed shot.
Borges then made up for his first half error with a 54th minute winner.