In an exhilarating clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, Chennaiyin FC staged an impressive comeback to clinch a 3-2 victory over NorthEast United FC in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The Thursday night spectacle witnessed Wilmar Jordan Gil emerge as the hero with a decisive brace, ensuring Chennaiyin FC secured their second win of the campaign despite facing significant challenges during the match.
The Marina Machans, as Chennaiyin FC is fondly known, displayed commendable resilience, particularly in the closing stages when they were reduced to ten men. The absence created by the late red card did not deter them from holding firm and walking away with all three points. This win was a testament to their determination and tactical strength, qualities that have defined them this season.
The contest began on a brisk note, with NorthEast United striking early. Nestor Albiach capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the fifth minute, instantly setting the tone for a fiercely contested match. However, Chennaiyin, who have shown a knack for comebacks, demonstrated their fighting spirit once again. They steadily rebuilt their momentum through quick, incisive play spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Jordan Gil and Lukas Pivetta Brambilla.
Chennaiyin’s breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Taking advantage of an inswinging corner delivered by Connor Shields, Wilmar Jordan Gil rose above the defenders, connecting with a powerful header that left NorthEast’s keeper, Gurmeet Singh, with no chance. This equalizer injected life into the visiting side, who began to dominate proceedings.
Eleven minutes later, Chennaiyin were awarded a penalty after a controversial confrontation in the box involving Michel Zabaco and Ryan Edwards.
. Lukas Brambilla coolly stepped up and converted, granting Chennaiyin a 2-1 lead which they carried into the halftime break. During the break, Chennaiyin’s head coach, Owen Coyle, had time to recalibrate his strategies, further empowering his squad for the battle that resumed in the second half.
Shortly after the restart, Jordan Gil demonstrated clinical finishing skills once more. In the 51st minute, he controlled a precise pass from Laldinliana Renthlei, expertly chested it to his path, and unleashed a strike that rocked the back of the net, extending Chennaiyin’s lead to 3-1. The double from Gil provided a significant boost to his team and his confidence as he marked an outstanding individual performance.
However, the drama heightened in the 83rd minute when Renthlei received his second yellow card following a scuffle by the corner flag. This dismissal meant that Chennaiyin had to see out the remainder of the match a man down, setting the stage for a tense finish. The hosts pounced on the numerical advantage, and Alaeddine Ajaraie pulled one back for NorthEast United in the 89th minute, reducing the deficit to a single goal and sparking hopes of a late comeback.
In the dying moments, though, Chennaiyin’s defense stood resolute, efficiently repelling a flurry of attacks to preserve their hard-fought lead. With the final whistle, they secured a 3-2 triumph, marking another triumphant chapter in their ISL journey this season.
Reflecting on the game, Owen Coyle expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance under pressure, highlighting their ability to maintain composure despite being shorthanded in the match’s crucial final minutes. The victory not only adds crucial points to their league tally but also serves as a morale booster ahead of their next encounter against FC Goa scheduled for October 24 in Chennai.
As Chennaiyin FC savor this victory against a competitive NorthEast United, they remain focused on building consistent performances, aiming to climb higher on the league table and contend for the championship accolade this season.
