Requiring a victory to qualify for the play-offs, NorthEast United FC did it in grand trend, scripting a 3-0, all targets got here within the first half, win over Chennaiyin FC within the Indian Super League match on the Nehru stadium right here on Monday.
There was little question from the start that NEUFC would come onerous on the host, for a win right here would seal its place within the prime-six (35 factors), with one match remaining.
And the customer troubled Chennaiyin no finish. Especially with winger Thoi toiling onerous from each flanks, there have been possibilities aplenty. Striker Jithin was on the centre of many alternatives.
NEUFC’s opening aim got here from Nestor and it was peach of a aim. His stinging left-footer from simply outdoors the gave little probability to keeper Md. Nawaz who dived to his left, in useless.
Playing for pleasure, Chennaiyin attacked in matches and begins, and it did have its possibilities, and fairly just a few of them being gilt-edged ones early within the first half, nevertheless it failed to complete within the last third.
Connor Shields’s weak left-footer went straight to the custodian. Immediately, Wilmar Jordan’s curling shot from shut vary, was pushed away ‘keeper Gurmeet. The NEUFC attacks became more frequent and Jithin struck after a good 1-2 with Ajaraie and the third goal by Ajaraie, thanks to a brilliant assist by Jithin, put things beyond Chennaiyin.
Playing with 10 men, after Ryan Edwards received his second yellow for bringing down Ajaraie in the 82nd minute, Chennaiyin did well to keep NEUFC in check. However, it appeared that Chennaiyin today didn’t have the abdomen for a battle.
The consequence: Chennaiyin FC 0 misplaced to NorthEast United FC 3 (Nestor 7, Jithin 26, Ajaraie 38).
Published – March 03, 2025 10:47 pm IST
