Northeast stun Goa, record second win
GUWAHATI: Northeast United notched only their second win of the Hero Indian Super League’s fourth season after goals from Marcinho and Seminlen Doungel helped them down Goa 2-1 on Saturday.
The victory means technical advisor Avram Grant starts his stint in the ISL with a big upset, and keeps them in ninth position, though just one point behind Kerala Blasters in eighth.
Doungel scored the winner after Cesario’s lovely through ball found him clear on goal. Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani steamed off his line and Doungel clipped it over him.
Marcinho had opened the scoring with a goal in the 20th minute. Cesario’s cross was behind him, but the Brazilian reached out to bring it down with some fine control, and set himself up for the side’s first goal at home.
The home side’s joy didn’t last too long though. Pronay Halder found space on the left wing and his lofted cross was turned in by Manuel Arana, after what looked like a clear handball from Jose Goncalves.
The second half took right off from where the first half had ended - when Doungel found space down the right channel but was confused between pulling it back for Cesario or taking a shot. He chose the latter but it went straight at Kattimani. In the 88th minute, Northeast’s defence made two off-the-line clearances and it was in that moment that they seemed unbeatable on the night.
BENGALURU FACE ATK, EYE TOP SPOT
BENGALURU: Having got back to their winning ways after two consecutive losses, Bengaluru would eye pole position when they take on ATK on Sunday.
Bengaluru come into the match with a 3-1 win over Kerala Blasters. Not only did they end 2017 on a high, the Albert Rocacoached side jumped to third spot with the win.
Against ATK, they would want to take forward the confidence and look to the likes of Miku and Chhetri to deliver the goods once again.
CHENNAIYIN HOST STRUGGLING DELHI
CHENNAI: Chennaiyin take on a Delhi Dynamos with a chance to go top. Chennaiyin are looking strong under John Gregory and have recovered well after a loss to Goa . Despite a poor record against Delhi, Chennai will head into the match with confidence. While CFC’S performance has looked up since the opening loss, Dynamos have endured a forgettable campaign so far.