Chennaiyin ride Lalpekhlua double to edge out ATK in ISL
CHENNAI: Jeje Lalpekhlua scored two goals, including the winner in the 90th minute, as Chennaiyin beat ATK 3-2 in an exciting Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. After a lacklustre first half the home side came up trumps after a flurry of goals in the last 25 minutes.
In a contest of fluctuating fortunes, Chennaiyin were 1-0 and 2-1 up before the final minutes saw two strikes from either side with the home team coming up with the all- important goal in the 90th minute. It was Jeje, who did the trick for by calmly slotting home a deflection of ATK goalie Debjit Majumder. Jeje had scored the game’s first goal in the 65th minute.
ATK equalised with 12 minutes to go when Zequinha slotted home. Inigo Calderon put Chennaiyin ahead in the 84th minute with an assist from Jerry Lalrinzuala. Five minutes later, Njazi Kuqi slotted home a reverse ball from Robbie Keane, past Karanjit, much to the delight of the ATK bench. The joy was shortlived as Jeje fired home as the clock ticked over to the 90-minute mark.
BENGALURU SEEK WIN AGAINST NORTHEAST
GUWAHATI: India captain Sunil Chhetri is set to take the field following his wedding when Bengaluru face Northeast United FC on Friday. After winning their opening two matches, Bengaluru suffered a 3-4 loss to Goa in their first away match and would want to notch up a win.
Bengaluru, however, are facing a goalkeeping crisis as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been banned for two matches after picking up a red card against Goa.