In an exhilarating encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Chennaiyin FC overcame the odds to take home a thrilling 3-2 victory against NorthEast United in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match. The Marina Machans, as Chennaiyin FC is fondly known, displayed commendable resilience playing the final minutes of the match with one less player, and as a result, secured their second win of the season.
From the onset, it was an engaging contest, with the home team NorthEast United taking an early lead. In just the fifth minute of the game, Nestor Albiach capitalized on a defensive lapse to put NorthEast United one goal ahead. However, Chennaiyin FC, showing determination and strategic prowess, managed to claw back into the game before the first half concluded.
The night belonged to Wilmar Jordan Gil, who put on a stellar performance. Gil made his presence known in the 25th minute when he reached a swinging corner kick from Connor Shields and powered a decisive header past the NorthEast United goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, leveling the score. Just eleven minutes later, Lukas Pivetta Brambilla got on the score-sheet as well. After a foul by Michel Zabaco on Ryan Edwards led to a penalty, Brambilla stepped up confidently to slot the ball home, taking Chennaiyin to a 2-1 lead by halftime.
Head coach Owen Coyle made an astute decision by including Jordan Gil in his starting XI, a move that paid off considerably. This was Jordan’s first start of the season, an opportunity he clearly cherished, as demonstrated by his match-winning performance. Alongside Gil, the starting line-up featured fresh faces like Lalrinliana Hnamte and Farukh Choudhary, both of whom had recently returned from international duty with the Indian football team.
After the break, Chennaiyin FC continued to press their advantage.
. Gil showcased his skill and awareness when he added his second goal of the night in the 51st minute. A precise pass from Laldinliana Renthlei found Gil, who expertly controlled the ball with his chest and fired in from close range to extend their lead to 3-1.
NorthEast United, however, were not prepared to give up easily. Down but not out, they attempted to make a comeback and indeed managed to score a late goal through Alaeddine Ajaraie in the 89th minute. Despite this, their efforts were not enough, as the Chennaiyin defense stood firm to maintain their lead.
The last few minutes of the game saw Chennaiyin reduced to 10 men following Laldinliana Renthlei’s second yellow card in the 83rd minute, after a controversial incident by the corner flag. This dismissal added pressure on the Marina Machans, making their defensive fortitude all the more commendable as they held on for a deserved victory.
Looking ahead, Chennaiyin FC appears to be gaining momentum from their latest performance. Their upcoming clash against FC Goa in Chennai on October 24th will be an opportunity for them to build upon this result and climb the ISL standings.
On a broader level, this match underscores the dramatic and unpredictable nature of football, especially in leagues like the ISL where the competition is fierce, and every team is dreadfully hungry for points. The season’s unfolding narrative promises more drama and excitement, much to the delight of fans and football enthusiasts alike.
While this match report was provided by a third-party feed, each moment and player on the pitch contributed to the thrilling spectacle that unfolded on a vibrant Thursday evening in Guwahati. As the ISL season continues, we are sure to witness more such exhilarating matches that enhance the league’s growing reputation as a hotbed of competitive football.
