ISL 4: Chennaiyin bounce back in style

Chennai: Chennaiyin FC fortunes against NorthEast United finally changed as they beat the Highlanders for the first time at their home, the Nehru Stadium here, on Thursday.

After a poor show against FC Goa, home coach John Gregory decided on a major reshuffle in formation and personnel, opting for a defensive 4-5-1 formation, Dutchman Gregory Nelson was rewarded with a place in the XI for his impressive performance in the last match. It was also a day to remember for local footballer D. Ganesh as he made his debut after three years with the club. The Highlanders chose to play the same XI from their match against Jamshedpur FC.

Both teams had opportunities to take the lead in the first 10 minutes but the home side made more of it as Gregory’s persistence with Brazilian Raphael Augusto paid off. The midfielder’s strike from outside the box was into goal by NorthEast defender Abdul Hakku as goalkeeper Rehenesh Paramba was caught off-guard.   

Chennaiyin looked a transformed side from Sunday and within 15 minutes, scored again. This time Augusto put his name on the score-sheet. Midfielder Bikramjit Singh sent a long ball from the right-hand side to Gregory Nelson. The Dutchman headed it down to striker Jeje Lalpekhlua only for a NorthEast defender to deflect it onto Augusto’s path. The Brazilian did not have much to do as he slotted the ball in.

Chennayin captain Henrique Sereno along with Brazilian Mailson Alves ensured goalkeeper Karanjit Singh remained unchallenged in the second half. Chennayin substitute Mohammed Rafi was the third player to score, cashing in on Spaniard Jaime Gavilan’s effort on the dead ball.