NorthEast scores first win
GUWAHATI: Asamoah Gyan handed NorthEast United FC its first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 season by netting the winner in a 2-1 result over Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Saturday.
The home team drew first blood when Redeem Tlang scored the quickest goal of the season (2’). Odisha equalised through Xisco Hernandez (71’) before defender Carlos Delgado was sent off. NEUFC made its advantage count through Gyan, who popped up with a header six minutes from time.
The win takes NorthEast to the top of the table, while Odisha slumped to its second loss in as many matches. The host had the best possible start to the game as it roared into the lead with just two minutes on the clock. Martin Chaves started the move with a run down the left flank before finding Panagiotis Triadis down the middle.
The Greek midfielder passed the ball to Tlang, who was in space down the right. The youngster tucked a finish past Arshdeep Singh to send the home crowd into raptures. That strike was the difference between the two sides at the end of the first period. Odisha head coach Josep Gombau opted to make a double change at half-time, bringing in Senegalese midfielder Diawandou Diagne and winger Nandhakumar Sekar.
After applying constant pressure, Odisha equalised in the 71st minute. Diagne’s brilliant cross from the right was flicked in smartly by Xisco. However, drama ensued two minutes later as Delgado was sent off for bringing down NorthEast substitute Maximiliano Barreira.
With numerical advantage on its side, NorthEast piled on the pressure. It created a flurry of chances before finally getting the winner six minutes from time. Lalthathanga Khawlhring’s corner was headed in by striker Gyan.