ISL 3: Northeast edge Delhi Dynamos to keep playoff chances alive
Delhi are placed second with 20 points from 13 matches and had qualified even before this loss.
New Delhi: NorthEast United FC kept their playoff hopes alive, with an encouraging 2-1 victory over Delhi Dynamos in their penultimate Indian Super League Season Three clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Seityasen Singh (60th minute) and N’Dri Romaric (71s) got the goals the hosts needed after a barren first session. Even though Marcelinho Pereira pulled one back for Delhi in the second minute of added time, NorthEast United were comfortably home.
The win took NorthEast United’s points tally to 18 with a match in hand but they still continue to be placed fifth. Fortunately for them, they have a match against Kerala Blasters (19 points) and can qualify if they can put it across their rivals for the fourth semi-final spot in Kochi on Sunday. Kerala Blasters will qualify with a draw. Delhi are placed second with 20 points from 13 matches and had qualified even before this loss.
Last year’s finalists battle for pride
In Fatorda, hosts FC Goa will face the challenge from Chennaiyin FC in what will be the final league match for both teams, on Thursday.
FC Goa, with 11 points from 13 matches, are lurking right at the bottom and will be unmoved even if they win on Thursday. It will be a league to forget for FC Goa coach Zico but as the hosts battle against holders Chennaiyin, there will be pride to play for. On the other hand, Chennayin are also out of the semi-finals’ race but will look to end on a high.