Saturday, October 29, 2016

Match 25 ; NorthEast United FC 1 - 2 Atlético de Kolkata

ATK come from behind to go top after a 2-1 win



Atlético de Kolkata moved to the top of the table as they came from behind to beat North East United FC 2-1 in a pulsating fixture of Hero ISL 2016 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati with over 30,000 fans in attendance on Friday evening. Helder Postiga and Juan Belencoso scored their first goals of the season as the red and whites secured all three points. Emiliano Alfaro had opened the scoring before the break for the Highlanders in a game of two halves.
NorthEast started off the game on a stronger foot and built upon it with a series of attacks in the opening few minutes. But despite that the first clear chance of the game went to ATK with Javier Lara taking a shot on goal which was easily saved by Subrata Paul. His counterpart Debjit Majumder was also put into action with Robert Cullen forcing him into a save in the 14th minute. A strong penalty appeal was soon turned down when Katsumi Yusa went down inside the box.
The game continued in a high tempo with both teams playing a slick passing game. Prabir Das unleashed a long-ranger in order to surprise Paul but the experienced custodian was in the right position to collect the ball. Alfaro then found the ball in the open in the 35th minute but Majumder rushed out to brilliantly clip it away from the Uruguayan.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute when Nirmal Chettri played a quick one-two with Yusa to put in the perfect floating cross. Alfaro expertly headed in the ball into the back of the net to notch up his fifth goal of Hero ISL 2016. The Highlanders continued their onslaught on goal as the half ended 1-0.
Kolkata began the second half with positive intent as Postiga and Robert Lalthlamuana were brought on. Kolkata kept pressing on with NorthEast getting in a couple of attacks of their own on the counter. Postiga’s effect was evident with a couple of near chances and it finally paid dividend in the 63rd minute. Lalrindika Ralte’s superb cross from the left was expertly headed past Paul by the Portuguese, who got his first goal of the 2016 Hero ISL in the process.
ATK looked like scoring any moment and Henrique Sereno had a wonderful chance to put the visitors ahead when Subrata erred while rushing out of his goal. The Portuguese though made a hash of things as he could only hit the side netting. Paul soon had to be taken off with an injury as substitute Wellington Gomes took his place under the bar. Belencoso welcomed him to the game as he tapped the ball into an empty net off a cross as Ralte turned provider again to make it 2-1 in favour of the visitors.
NorthEast desperately searched for the equaliser and almost secured it as Majumder came off his line but was unable to catch the ball. Yusa took a shot but it was blocked and the subsequent rebound was headed wide. The dying minutes saw the Highlanders scuffing a couple of chances with Reagan Singh coming the closest as Kolkata defended well to maintain their lead and rise to the top of the table.
Match Awards:
Club award: Atlético de Kolkata
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Javi Lara
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Lalrindika Ralte
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Pritam Kotal
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Lalrindika Ralte
Hero of the Match: Helder Postiga



ജയം കൊല്‍ക്കത്ത മുന്നില്‍


ഗുവാഹത്തി
നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റ്‌ യുണൈറ്റഡിനെ തോല്‍പ്പിച്ച്‌ അത്‌ലറ്റികോ ഡി കൊല്‍ക്കത്ത ഐഎസ്‌എല്‍ പോയിന്റ്‌ പട്ടികയില്‍ ഒന്നാമതെത്തി (2- 1). ഒരു ഗോളിന്‌ പിന്നിട്ടുനിന്നശേഷമായിരുന്നു കൊല്‍ക്കത്തയുടെ തിരിച്ചുവരവ്‌. ഏഴു കളിയില്‍ 12 പോയിന്റാണ്‌ കൊല്‍ക്കത്തയ്‌ക്ക്‌. 10 പോയിന്റുള്ള നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റ്‌ മൂന്നാമതായി.

അല്‍ഫാരോയിലൂടെ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റാണ്‌ ലീഡെടുത്തത്‌. 36�ാം മിനിറ്റില്‍. ഇടതുഭാഗത്ത്‌നിന്ന്‌ നിര്‍മല്‍ ഛേത്രി തൊടുത്ത അളന്നുമുറിച്ചുള്ള ക്രോസില്‍ അല്‍ഫാരോ ലക്ഷ്യം കണ്ടു. കൊല്‍ക്കത്തയുടെ രണ്ടു പ്രതിരോധകളിക്കാര്‍ക്കിടയില്‍നിന്ന്‌ ഉയര്‍ന്നുചാടിയ അല്‍ഫാരോ തകര്‍പ്പന്‍ ഹെഡറിലൂടെ ഗോളി ദേബ്‌ജിത്‌ മജുംദാറിനെ കീഴടക്കി.

ഗുവാഹത്തിയില്‍ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റിന്റെ മുന്നേറ്റത്തോടെയാണ്‌ കളി തുടങ്ങിയത്‌. അല്‍ഫാരോ കൊല്‍ക്കത്ത പ്രതിരോധത്തിന്‌ ഏറെ തലവേദനയുണ്ടാക്കി. ഇടവേളവരെ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റിന്റെ കാലിലായിരുന്നു കളി.

ഇടവേളയ്‌ക്കുശേഷം കൊല്‍ക്കത്ത സമീഗ്‌ ഡൂട്ടിയെ മാറ്റി, ഹെല്‍ദര്‍ പോസ്റ്റിഗയെ കൊണ്ടുവന്നു. അതിനുള്ള ഫലവും കിട്ടി. 58�ാം മിനിറ്റില്‍ കൊല്‍ക്കത്ത ഒപ്പമെത്തി. ഇടതുവശത്ത്‌നിന്ന്‌ റോബര്‍ട്ട്‌ ലാല്‍ത്‌ലാമുവാന തൊടുത്ത ക്രോസില്‍ മിന്നല്‍വേഗത്തില്‍ പോസ്റ്റിഗ തലവച്ചു.നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റ്‌ ഗോളി സുബ്രതോ പോളിന്‌ ആ നീക്കത്തിന്‌ മുന്നില്‍ ഉത്തരമുണ്ടായില്ല. ഗോള്‍ വന്നതോടെ കൊല്‍ക്കത്തയുടെ നീക്കങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്‌ ലക്ഷ്യബോധമുണ്ടായി. 77�ാം മിനിറ്റില്‍ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റിന്‌ തിരിച്ചടി കിട്ടി. ഗോളി സുബ്രതോ പരിക്കേറ്റ്‌ പുറത്ത്‌. പകരം ലിമ ഗോമസ്‌ എത്തി. നാലു മിനിറ്റിനുള്ളില്‍ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റ്‌ രണ്ടാം ഗോളും വഴങ്ങി. പോസ്റ്റിഗയുടെ മുന്നേറ്റം തടയുന്നതില്‍ നോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ഈസ്റ്റ്‌ പ്രതിരോധത്തിന്‌ വീഴ്‌ച പറ്റി. സ്ഥാനംതെറ്റിനിന്ന ഗോളി ഗോമസിനും പിഴച്ചു. പോസ്റ്റിഗയുടെ പാസ്‌ ഒഴിഞ്ഞ വലയ്‌ക്ക്‌ മുന്നില്‍വച്ച്‌ ബെലെന്‍കോസോയ്‌ക്കാണ്‌ കിട്ടിയത്‌. സുവര്‍ണാവസരം ബെലെന്‍കോസോ പാഴാക്കിയില്ല.

Match 24 ; Delhi Dynamos FC 1 - 1 FC Pune City

Milan’s late strike saves Delhi Dynamos’ blushes


Delhi Dynamos played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their 2016 Hero Indian Super League match against FC Pune City at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Thursday evening. Jesus Tato opened the scoring for the Stallions with a smart header in first-half stoppage time before young Milan Singh got the equaliser in the 79th minute to make it a fourth draw in six matches for the Lions. Edel Bete was the man who denied Delhi all three points with several saves throughout the encounter.
The game got off to a quick start with Delhi dictating terms. End-to-end stuff ensued but both teams were unable to get a proper look-in at the goal. Shots from Florent Malouda and David Addy went just wide, while Soram Poirei rushed out to thwart a dangerous situation at the Delhi goal.
The game’s first real chance went to Milan whose deflected shot was parried away by Bete to safety. Pune went on the counter but couldn’t do the damage. They had no time to settle as Marcelinho’s runs down the left flank and Malouda’s control in the middle left the Stallions short of breath.
Pune’s defence was left in a state of disarray with only Bete standing tall to keep his team in the game. A stinging left-footer by Souvik Chakraborty was smartly stopped by the Armenian in the 18th minute. The save of the match came three minutes later when Richard Gadze found himself in space inside the box. However, his turn-and-shoot effort was palmed away by the diving keeper.
The Lions unleashed one attack after another but just couldn’t get the ball past the line. Gadze was denied again, while Emerson Moura’s free kick went into Bete’s safe hands. Delhi’s frustration soon turned into despair during stoppage time when Tato’s lobbed header went over Poirei to sneak into the goal and gave Pune the lead. 
Things kicked off in the second half in a similar manner to the first with Delhi having the major share of the ball. Ruben Rocha’s effort was brilliantly saved, with the keeper managing to just get his fingertips to the ball while stretching to his right. A rare blemish by Bete saw Marcelinho facing an empty net but the Brazilian’s shot hit the side-netting as Pune held on to their lead.
Delhi head coach Gianluca Zambrotta went for the jugular and brought on Bruno Pelissari and Chinglesana Singh as Delhi desperately looked for the equaliser. Bete’s luck finally ran out in the 79th minute as Marcelinho smartly passed the ball to Milan, who hit the ball on the run to bring the Lions back into the game.
Both teams went for the win with Habas bringing in Anibal Rodriquez as Gadze shot just wide. His effort from near the box failed to trouble the Pune goal. Rahul Bheke’s header off Tato’s corner went straight into Poirei’s hands as Antonio Habas threw one last throw of the dice by bringing on Momar Ndoye in search of the winner. But nothing came of it as the game finished 1-1.
Match Awards:
Club award: Shared by both clubs
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Ruben Rocha
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Rahul Bheke
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Edel Bete
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Milan Singh
Hero of the Match: Edel Bete

Match 23 ; Atlético de Kolkata 0 - 1 Mumbai City FC

Mumbai go top of the league with 1-0 win against ATK


Mumbai City FC went top of the table after beating Atlético de Kolkata 1-0 in front of more than 11,000 fans and the legendary Thierry Henry at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. The solitary goal of the match was scored by Diego Forlan in the 79th minute to hand the 2014 champions their first loss of Hero Indian Super League 2016.
Sony Norde took Mumbai’s first shot at goal in the sixth minute but his effort from distance failed to test Debjit Majumder in ATK’s goal. He had another shot on Kolkata’s goal two minutes later when a Cafu pass found him in a dangerous position near the edge of the hosts’ penalty box. Once again, Norde’s shot was wide of the target for Mumbai.
Gerson Vieira went close next for the visitors when a deflected shot by the Brazilian had Majumder scrambling in goal as it flew wide of the target for a corner. Javi Lara then went close for the hosts in the 24th minute after his own free-kick hit the Mumbai wall and fell invitingly for the Spaniard. Lara’s second attempt flew agonisingly over the crossbar.
Majumder pulled off a spectacular save for ATK in the 33rd minute after Norde found himself with time and space inside Kolkata’s box. The Haitian hammered the leather off the ball as he unleashed what looked like a shot destined to ripple the back of the net. Majumder, however, was having none of that as he got a strong palm on the ball to tip it over for a corner.
Kolkata finished the half stronger of the two sides as they started seeing more of the ball. The visitors though would have been disappointed to head into the half-time interval with the score at 0-0.
Bidyananda Singh was introduced as a substitute at the start of the second half and made his presence felt instantly after replacing Abinash Ruidas for ATK. He nearly provided an assist with his second touch of the ball after producing a floating ball towards the far post that was just beyond the reach of Iain Hume.
Norde, like in the first half, had Mumbai’s first attempt on goal in the second period as well but once again his shot was wayward and off target. ATK then came close to taking the lead in the 59th minute when Mumbai’s shot-stopper Albino Gomes misjudged a Hume cross and missed his clearance. Sameehg Doutie was on hand to capitalise but Mumbai’s defence did just about enough to clear the danger.
Hume had a left-footed shot on goal kept out by Gomes 12 minutes later as the hosts started to up the ante with a little under 20 minutes to spare. However, when the goal did come it went against the run of play as Mumbai took the lead with 11 minutes to play.
Norde worked his magic on the left and put in a deflected shot into the danger area. Mumbai’s marquee man, Forlan was on hand and produced an emphatic finish beyond Majumder in goal to make it 1-0 for Alexandre Guimaraes’ men.
Kolkata pushed forward in search of an equaliser with Gomes being called into action in the 85th minute to parry a Hume shot on goal behind for a corner. Their last chance came from a free-kick deep in stoppage-time after Lucian Goian brought down Hume in a dangerous area. Lara’s ferocious free-kick was well-saved by Gomes though to condemn ATK to their first loss of the season.
Match Awards:
Club award: Mumbai City FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Sony Norde
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Sony Norde
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Debjit Majumder
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Sena Ralte
Hero of the Match: Lucian Goian

Match 22 ; FC Goa 1 - 2 Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala come from behind to beat Goa 2-1 in Fatorda



Kerala Blasters FC came from behind to beat FC Goa 2-1 in their 2016 Hero Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday. Goa made a positive start with a Julio Cesar goal in the 24th minute. Second half strikes by Mohammed Rafi and Kervens Belfort capped off a superb comeback by Kerala as they registered their first away win of the season in front of more than 18,000 fans.
It took 10 minutes for the first shot on goal, which went Kerala’s way after a mazy run by Belfort saw the Haitian dance past the Goan defence before getting a shot away from outside the box. Gaurs custodian Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was comfortably positioned in goal to make the save though.
Rafi then dragged a shot wide of goal in the 14th minute after a good lay-off by Belfort had set up the Indian striker on the edge of the box. Kerala’s failure to make their early pressure pay was punished by Goa 10 minutes later.
A quality cross from the left by Richarlyson found Cesar in a good position at the far post. The Brazilian striker outjumped Josu Currais and rose highest to power in a header beyond a helpless Sandip Nandy in Kerala’s goal to make it 1-0 for the hosts.
Chowdhury was called into action again in the 35th minute when a Sandesh Jhingan flick-on from a Blasters free-kick looked goal-bound. The Goa shot-stopper, however, was alert to the danger and just managed to tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner to maintain his side’s 1-0 advantage at the break.
Kerala found their equaliser straight from the restart after Mehtab Hossain found Mohammed Rafique with space on the right. Rafique’s dangerous low cross across Goa’s six-yard box was met by Rafi’s left foot to make it 1-1.
Cesar went close to restoring Goa’s lead in the 54th minute with an effort from range that was fractions wide of Kerala’s goal. The Brazilian’s next attempt forced Nandy into a save nine minutes later after a powerful free-kick from far out required the Indian goalkeeper’s intervention low to his left.
The Blasters had a huge opportunity of scoring the winner when Michael Chopra found the ball at his feet in the 80th minute. His shot was expertly saved by Chowdhury in goal as the home support roared in approval. It turned out to be Chopra’s last involvement in the game as he had to be stretchered off the pitch soon.
The Gaurs started looking shaky in defence with the game approaching its climax. Gregory Arnolin almost scored an own goal in the 83rd minute when an attempted header back to Chowdhury struck the frame of Goa’s goal.
Belfort scored the winner a minute later for the men in yellow. The Haitian received a Josu pass on the left flank before driving at Goa’s defence and unleashing a thunderous effort from distance to make it 2-1 for Steve Coppell’s men.
The Gaurs pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages of the game but resolute and disciplined defending by the visitors saw them weather the storm and pick up their first three points on the road in Hero ISL 2016.
Match Awards:
Club award: Kerala Blasters FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Josu Currais
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Mohammed Rafique
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Keenan Almeida
Hero of the Match: Kervens Belfort

Match 21 ; FC Pune City 1 - 1 Chennaiyin FC

Pune City clinch a point against Chennaiyin at home


FC Pune City drew 1-1 with Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League as more than 9,000 fans thronged the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Sunday evening. Jeje Lalpekhlua gave Chennai the lead in the 28th minute before Anibal Rodriguez scored a wonderful free-kick to make it all square at full-time.
The visitors registered the first shot of the game in the second minute after Jeje chested a long ball from deep inside his own half to find Hans Mulder. The Dutchman managed to create a yard of space for himself before getting a shot away but Edel Bete was perfectly positioned in goal to make the save against his former side.
Both Pune and Chennai had goals disallowed soon after with Dramane Traore’s header not being counted as the ball had gone out of play prior to finding the Malian striker in the box, while Dudu’s finish beyond Bete was ruled out because of being flagged for offside.
The Super Machans took the lead in the 28th minute with an exceptional strike from Jeje surely going down as one of the contenders for goal of the season this year. After outmuscling Eduardo Ferreira to win a long ball, Jeje noticed Bete slightly off his line and came up with an audacious lob from outside the area to beat the Armenian goalkeeper and put his side ahead.
Pune had an opportunity of scoring an equaliser two minutes later after Sanju Pradhan headed Narayan Das’ cross from the left to set up Jesus Tato. The Spaniard’s attempt on goal was wayward though and failed to test Duwayne Kerr in Chennaiyin’s goal. The last chance of note in the opening period also went the Stallions’ way courtesy of a Jonatan Lucca shot from distance that sailed over the crossbar to keep it at 1-0 in Chennai’s favour heading into the break.
The first big chance of the second period fell to Chennai after a lapse at the back by Pune had put Dudu in on goal with just Bete to beat. Dudu struck the ball powerfully but Bete got strong hands to the ball to deflect it Mulder’s way. A retrieving Rahul Bheke just managed to apply enough pressure on the Dutchman to prevent him from doubling Chennai’s lead.
Traore did brilliantly to get past Jerry Lalrinzuala in the 54th minute before firing in a powerful effort on goal that John Arne Riise blocked to keep his side in the lead. The Stallions had another attempt on goal a minute later through Lucca, whose free-kick from a dangerous area went inches above the crossbar.
Traore was at it again in the 63rd minute when he controlled a Lucca pass at him brilliantly to create some room and shoot on the turn. The Malian’s effort from the edge of the box, however, flew fractions wide of the target.
Dudu should have put the game to bed in the 79th minute when Jeje played him clear on goal. The Nigerian couldn’t sort his feet out soon enough to take a clean shot on goal, allowing Pune’s defence to make the block and clear the danger.
The equaliser for Pune came three minutes later with substitute Anibal’s second touch of the ball. The Spaniard had barely been on the pitch for a few minutes when he decided to try his luck from a free-kick. His perfectly executed free-kick gave Kerr no chance in goal, making it 1-1 with eight minutes to go.
The Stallions’ last chance of the game also came from an Anibal free-kick one minute before full-time. This time, however, Kerr was well positioned in goal to make the save. Chennai’s final opportunity went to substitute Davide Succi, who failed to produce the power required to beat Bete as Pune’s search for their first home win of the season continues.
Match awards:
Club Award: Shared by both clubs
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Anibal Rodriguez
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Jerry Lalrinzuala
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Narayan Das
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Mehrajuddin Wadoo
Hero the Match: Jeje Lalpekhlua

Match 20 ; Atlético de Kolkata 1 - 0 Delhi Dynamos FC

ATK hand Delhi Dynamos their first loss of the season


Atlético de Kolkata handed Delhi Dynamos FC their first loss of Hero Indian Super League 20016 after a 1-0 win at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. Delhi’s Marcelinho missed a penalty 15 minutes from time after Henrique Sereno conceded a spot-kick and was sent off for a foul on Richard Gadze. Kolkata went straight up the other end after the Lions’ miss and won a penalty through Sameehg Doutie. Iain Hume made no mistake as he netted the winner from the spot and became the highest scorer in the history of the league.
Hume threaded through a wonderful pass in the fifth minute to carve open Delhi’s defence after the Canadian striker had picked up the ball in his own half. Lions goalkeeper Toni Doblas was quick off his line though and got to the ball before Doutie to clear the danger.
It took 17 minutes to register the first shot of the game on goal and when it did come, it went the visitors’ way after Bikram Singh gave away a free-kick in a dangerous position. Marcelinho’s effort on goal from the free-kick, however, was parried away for a corner by Debjit Majumder in ATK’s goal.
The Dynamos were in on goal again a minute later thanks to a Florent Malouda ball, which Marcelinho ran on to before dinking it over an outrushing Majumder in goal. Only a Prabir Das clearance from inside the six-yard box kept it at 0-0.
Juan Belencoso headed ATK’s first shot on target in the 32nd minute after Lalrindika Ralte’s cross from the left found the Spaniard on the edge of Delhi’s box. Belencoso’s header went straight into Doblas, allowing him to collect comfortably.
Delhi should have broken the deadlock in the 35th minute with Malouda, Gadze and Marcos Tebar forcing Majumder into a triple save in his area before Sereno blocked Rupert Nongrum and conceded a corner.
Kolkata’s biggest chance came six minutes before the break courtesy of quality cross by Doutie to Belencoso from the right flank. The Spaniard failed to test Doblas as he headed fractions wide of the target. Doutie squared another good pass to set up Hume just outside Delhi’s box three minutes later but the Canadian striker shot wide of the target as the sides went in 0-0 at half-time.
Gadze should have scored in the first minute of the second period with Marcelinho flicking on a header to put the Ghanaian in on goal. Majumder saved once again to deny the Dynamos and Gadze the game’s opener. ATK had a chance two minutes later after Doutie produced another wonderful cross from the right, which Hume headed just over the crossbar.
The hosts missed a huge opportunity of getting the breakthrough 20 minutes later when an unmarked Tiri headed Doutie’s corner straight at Doblas for the Spanish Custodian to collect comfortably. It could have been crucial as Gadze soon found himself up against Sereno, ATK’s last line of defence. The Portuguese defender brought down Gadze in the box to concede a penalty and was also sent off for picking up a second yellow. Marcelinho stepped up and sent his spot-kick sailing over the crossbar to give the hosts a lifeline.
It proved to be costly as ATK received a penalty of their own in the 77th minute for a Kim Kima foul on Doutie inside the box. Hume stepped up and sent Doblas the wrong way to send Kolkata’s 10-men 1-0 up with 12 minutes to spare.
Delhi forced a goal-line clearance from ATK late in the game but the home side kept possession of the ball for the rest of the match and clinched their first victory at home in Hero ISL 2016 and remain the only undefeated side of the season.
Match awards:
Club award: Atlético de Kolkata
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Lalrindika Ralte
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Sameehg Doutie
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Debjit Majumder
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Prabir Das
Hero of the Match: Iain Hume

Match 19 ; Mumbai City FC 0 - 1 FC Goa

Richarlyson guides FC Goa to their first win of Hero ISL 2016


FC Goa beat Mumbai City FC 1-0 to register their first win of Hero Indian Super League 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday evening. The only goal of the game came in the 41st minute after Richarlyson conjured up an exquisite finish to set the Gaurs on their way.
After a stop-start opening 27 minutes to the game, the visitors had a pop from distance through Trindade Goncalves, who shot wide of target. Mumbai’s brightest player of the half was Sony Norde, but Goa double-teamed the Haitian and minimised the threat posed by him for the most part of the first period.
The visitors managed to break the deadlock four minutes before half-time with their first shot on target. Julio Cesar’s free-kick managed to find Richarlyson, who had made a surging run into box. The Brazilian midfielder produced a spectacular finish on the half-volley to give the Gaurs a 1-0 lead.
Mumbai stepped up their game after falling behind in search of a leveller before the break. Their marquee player Diego Forlan took a shot from distance in the 43rd minute but failed to test Subhasish Roy Chowdhury in Goa’s goal.
The Gaurs should have doubled their lead within a minute of the restart after Cesar headed a brilliant diagonal ball by Richarlyson straight to Robin Singh on the edge of Mumbai’s six-yard box. The Indian international’s right-footed shot was straight at Chowdhury and lacked the power to beat Goa’s shot-stopper.
Forlan went close to scoring for Mumbai a minute later after shooting narrowly wide of Goa’s goal in the 47th minute. Another dangerous free-kick by Cesar two minutes later went inches wide of goal with none of Mumbai's attackers managing to get a head on it.
Matias Defederico started to influence the game more in the second period and ran at Goa’s defence before sending a left-footed effort wide in the 53rd minute. The Argentine attacker wasn’t on the pitch for much longer though as he was replaced by Cafu due to an injury at the hour mark.
Another Mumbai substitute Jackichand Singh made an impact after coming on the pitch by testing Chowdhury with a shot on goal after cutting in from the left flank in the 63rd minute. Norde burst into life in the 80th minute when he skipped past a few players in Goa’s defence before unleashing a powerful and low shot at goal. The Haitian’s attempt, however, was blocked by Rafael Dumas for Goa.
Forlan had another free-kick sail over the bar in the 86th minute. Cesar then collected the ball in Mumbai’s half two minutes later and ran at the hosts’ defence before taking a cheeky shot on goal, which Mumbai’s goalkeeper Roberto Volpato saved to keep his side in the game. Mumbai couldn’t create any chance of note in the closing stages though as Alexandre Guimaraes’ men stumbled to their second defeat of the season in six matches.
Match Awards:
Club award: FC Goa
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Trindade Goncalves
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Julio Cesar
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Aiborlang Khongjee
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Raju Gaikwad
Hero of the Match: Richarlyson

Match 18; NorthEast United FC 0 - 1 Chennaiyin FC

Succi’s goal scripts Chennaiyin’s first-ever win over NorthEast


Defending champions Chennaiyin FC won their second 2016 Hero Indian Super League game on the trot when they beat table-toppers NorthEast United FC 1-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. Davide Succi’s goal in the 49th minute from the edge of box proved to be the difference between the two teams in a match attended by almost 33,000 passionate fans.
The opening few minutes were quite subdued with both teams being cautious off the blocks. The first real chance of the half came in the 16th minute when Baljit Sahni’s attempt at a cross clipped a defender through to Succi, who couldn’t capitalise on the loose ball collected by a diving Subrata Paul.
The 27th minute saw Siam Hanghal being brought down outside the box by Didier Zokora and the resultant free-kick by Maurizio Peluso wobbled its way to Paul, who did well to palm it away before Hans Mulder headed over the rebound. The game sprung to life at this juncture with the Highlanders earning back-to-back corners with one of them a free header put over by Gustavo Lazzaretti.
In a big blow to NEUFC’s hopes, Nicolas Velez had to limp off the field in the 38th minute. The final major chance of the half again went to Chennaiyin with Maurizio Peluso striking a dipping shot on goal off Baljit’s short corner but a diving Subrata again made a good save as both teams went in 0-0 at the break.
The deadlock was broken four minutes into the second half as Succi found the back of the net with a breath-taking volley from the edge of the box. Hanghal’s long ball was volleyed on the turn with Succi’s back initially towards goal. It left NorthEast’s fans stunned as the Super Machans celebrated the Italian’s brilliance.
NorthEast pulled together quickly as Katsumi Yusa got past his man and turned in a low cross which seemed to be heading towards Holicharan Narzary but young Jerry Lalrinzuala somehow made the crucial interception to save the day. The Highlanders had another chance minutes later with Emiliano Alfaro through on goal. This time Bernard Mendy pulled out a crunching tackle to thwart the striker.
The game kicked into high gear with NorthEast giving it their all, earning a series of corners in the process. It seemed the home side would equalize any moment but the Chennaiyin defence was resolute and held on to their one goal advantage with Alfaro wasting a couple of chances towards the end of the match. With their first-ever win against the Highlanders, Chennai now move up to third in the standings with seven points from four matches.
Match awards:
Club award: Chennaiyin FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Katsumi Yusa
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Siam Hanghal
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Jerry Lalrinzuala
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Siam Hanghal
Hero of the Match: Bernard Mendy

Match 18' NorthEast United FC 0 - 1 Chennaiyin FC

Succi’s goal scripts Chennaiyin’s first-ever win over NorthEast


Defending champions Chennaiyin FC won their second 2016 Hero Indian Super League game on the trot when they beat table-toppers NorthEast United FC 1-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. Davide Succi’s goal in the 49th minute from the edge of box proved to be the difference between the two teams in a match attended by almost 33,000 passionate fans.
The opening few minutes were quite subdued with both teams being cautious off the blocks. The first real chance of the half came in the 16th minute when Baljit Sahni’s attempt at a cross clipped a defender through to Succi, who couldn’t capitalise on the loose ball collected by a diving Subrata Paul.
The 27th minute saw Siam Hanghal being brought down outside the box by Didier Zokora and the resultant free-kick by Maurizio Peluso wobbled its way to Paul, who did well to palm it away before Hans Mulder headed over the rebound. The game sprung to life at this juncture with the Highlanders earning back-to-back corners with one of them a free header put over by Gustavo Lazzaretti.
In a big blow to NEUFC’s hopes, Nicolas Velez had to limp off the field in the 38th minute. The final major chance of the half again went to Chennaiyin with Maurizio Peluso striking a dipping shot on goal off Baljit’s short corner but a diving Subrata again made a good save as both teams went in 0-0 at the break.
The deadlock was broken four minutes into the second half as Succi found the back of the net with a breath-taking volley from the edge of the box. Hanghal’s long ball was volleyed on the turn with Succi’s back initially towards goal. It left NorthEast’s fans stunned as the Super Machans celebrated the Italian’s brilliance.
NorthEast pulled together quickly as Katsumi Yusa got past his man and turned in a low cross which seemed to be heading towards Holicharan Narzary but young Jerry Lalrinzuala somehow made the crucial interception to save the day. The Highlanders had another chance minutes later with Emiliano Alfaro through on goal. This time Bernard Mendy pulled out a crunching tackle to thwart the striker.
The game kicked into high gear with NorthEast giving it their all, earning a series of corners in the process. It seemed the home side would equalize any moment but the Chennaiyin defence was resolute and held on to their one goal advantage with Alfaro wasting a couple of chances towards the end of the match. With their first-ever win against the Highlanders, Chennai now move up to third in the standings with seven points from four matches.
Match awards:
Club award: Chennaiyin FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Katsumi Yusa
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Siam Hanghal
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Jerry Lalrinzuala
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Siam Hanghal
Hero of the Match: Bernard Mendy

Match 17 ; Delhi Dynamos FC 3 - 3 Mumbai City FC

Delhi come from behind to hold Mumbai in a six-goal thriller



Delhi Dynamos FC played out an enthralling 3-3 draw against Mumbai City FC in front of more than 15,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. Krisztian Vadocz scored a brace in the first half to make it 2-0 for Mumbai at half-time. Richard Gadze pulled one back for the Dynamos six minutes into the second period before Sony Norde restored Mumbai’s two-goal advantage in the 69th minute. A goal from super-sub Badara Badji and a penalty from Marcelinho in the last quarter of the game ensured it ended all square in Hero Indian Super League’s highest scoring game of the season so far.
Delhi registered the game’s first shot on target in the ninth minute through David Addy, who tried his luck from distance. Florent Malouda then picked up a loose ball inside Mumbai’s box five minutes later before shooting wide of the target.
Mumbai’s first chance of note came in the 16th minute. Anwar Ali rose highest in the box and got his header on target but Delhi’s goalkeeper Soram Poirei was perfectly positioned in goal to make the save. Gadze played Marcelinho through on goal shortly after but Sena Ralte managed to apply enough pressure on the Brazilian attacker to prevent him from getting his shot away.
Leo Costa produced a brilliant diagonal ball in the 26th minute to play Ralte through on goal. The marauding full-back shot at goal from an acute angle but Poirei had his near post covered to collect comfortably. Ali had another header on goal for Mumbai moments later but this time he failed to test the keeper as the ball sailed over the crossbar.
The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to a defence-splitting pass from Costa that put Vadocz in a one-v-one situation with Poirei. The 31-year-old added the finishing touch to Costa’s pass and made it 1-0 for Mumbai.
Mumbai doubled their lead seven minutes before half-time after a Norde free-kick rattled the crossbar and fell straight to Vadocz. A controlled and composed header by the Romanian into an open net made it 2-0 at the break.
Delhi emerged for the second half with purpose and were rewarded six minutes into the half. Ibrahima Niasse’s pass forward was flicked on by Malouda to put Marcelinho in on goal. The Brazilian attacker squared to Gadze, who powered the ball into the back of the net to reduce the deficit and make it 2-1.
Soon after, Norde danced past two defenders on Delhi’s right flank and cut the ball back to Costa inside the Lions’ box. The Brazilian midfielder though only managed a scuffed shot on goal. Substitute Cafu then nearly scored with his first touch on the pitch in the 67th minute. His effort, however, failed to test Poirei in Delhi’s goal.
Mumbai made the pressure pay in the 69th minute after Cafu played a brilliant one-two with Norde to send the Haitian clear of Delhi’s defence. A first-time finish with his weaker left foot made it 3-1 for Mumbai and gave Norde his first goal of the season.
The Dynamos weren’t prepared to throw in the towel just yet. Substitute Badji came off the bench and made his presence felt immediately after running on to a Gadze pass before slotting the ball beyond Roberto Volpato in Mumbai’s goal to make it 3-2 with 14 minutes to play.
The hosts restored parity in the 82nd minute after Volpato conceded a penalty for a foul on Gadze. Marcelinho stepped up and converted the spot-kick much to the delight of the home faithful. The last big chance of the match went to Mumbai after Matias Defederico ran at the Dynamos defence before striking the frame of the goal.
Match Awards:
Club award: Shared by both clubs
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Marcelinho
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Cafu
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Leo Costa
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Chinglesana Singh
Hero of the Match: Richard Gadze

Match 16 ; FC Pune City 1 - 1 Kerala Blasters FC

Pune City draw with Kerala Blasters thanks to Sissoko’s first Hero ISL goal


FC Pune City played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC in front of nearly 9,000 fans at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Monday. Cedric Hengbart scored the fastest goal of Hero Indian Super League 2016 to give the visitors an early lead. A deflected-shot by Mohamed Sissoko in the 68th minute rescued a point for Pune.
Kerala scored in the third minute when Hengbart reacted quickly to finish with his left-foot after Pune failed to clear an Azrack Mahamat shot on goal. It was the French centre-back’s first goal in the Hero ISL and the fastest of the league this season.
Jesus Tato volleyed wide from the edge of the penalty area 11 minutes later after an attempted clearance by the Blasters fell invitingly for the Spaniard. Dramane Traore was next to try and restore parity but his header from a corner sailed over the bar.
Pune’s next chance also went to Traore in the 23rd minute. The Malian found himself with space in the box when Aaron Hughes misjudged the flight of the ball and subsequently missed his header. Kerala’s skipper was let off the hook, however, after Traore dragged his shot wide of the target.
Mehtab Hossain came close to making it 2-0 for the Blasters in the 36th minute with a shot from range that went inches wide of goal. Tato whipped in a dangerous cross for Traore moments later but Hughes managed to apply enough pressure to deny him a clear header on goal.
The first chance of the second half went to Mohammed Rafi thanks to a brilliant lay-off by Michael Chopra. Gouramangi Singh blocked Rafi’s shot on goal though to give his side a fighting chance in the game. Traore then almost capitalized on a weak back-pass from Josu Currais in the 56th minute. The Blasters’ goalkeeper Sandip Nandy rushed off his line and did just about enough to thwart the danger.
Traore finally put the ball in the back of the net two minutes later courtesy of a powerful header from a Rahul Bheke cross. Joy turned to disappointment within seconds for the Stallions after the lines-man raised his flag for off-side to cancel out the equaliser.
Pune eventually got their equaliser in the 68th minute with their marquee player and skipper Sissoko leading from the front. The 31-year-old’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off Hughes, giving Nandy no chance in goal.
Kerala Blasters raised their game after the leveller. A goal-bound header by substitute Faruk Chaudhary forced Edel Bete into a spectacular save in the 72nd minute. Another one of Kerala’s substitutes, Antonio German nearly made immediate impact shortly after with a shot on goal that was deflected behind for a corner.
The last chance of the match belonged to the visitors as well. Chaudhary found himself with space on the right but Narayan Das put in a perfectly-timed sliding tackle to make sure the game ended at 1-1 as the Stallions’ search for their first win at home continues.
Match awards:
Club award: Shared by both clubs
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Mehtab Hossain
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Azrack Mahamat
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Mohamed Sissoko
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Dharmaraj Ravanan
Hero of the Match: Cedric Hengbart

Match 15 ; Atlético de Kolkata 1 - 1 FC Goa

ATK and Goa split the points after high-octane encounter in Kolkata


Atlético de Kolkata were held to their third draw of Hero Indian Super League 2016 against FC Goa after the action ended at 1-1 at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. It was a pulsating game that saw Sameehg Doutie give ATK an early lead. Stephen Pearson and Sanjay Balmuchu were then sent off in the space of eight minutes early into the second period. Former Kolkata midfielder Joffre scored Goa’s leveller in the 77th minute to earn his side’s first point of the season.
Kolkata scored the opener in the sixth minute after an attempted header out of the box by Goa from a Javi Lara free-kick fell to Doutie. The South African winger’s venomous volley from the edge of the box gave Subhasish Roy Chowdhury no chance in Goa’s goal as ATK raced into an early lead.
Goa came close to equalising in the 13th minute after Rafael Coelho got in behind ATK’s defence. The Brazilian’s attempted cut-back to Joffre though was just behind the diminutive Spaniard, allowing the hosts to clear the danger. Trindade Goncalves went through on goal three minutes later but Debjit Majumder raced off his line to make the save.
Lara almost made it 2-0 in the 19th minute after Doutie chested an Abinash Ruidas cross from the left to the Spaniard. His first-time shot with his weaker left foot from just outside Goa’s penalty area flew fractions wide of the target.
ATK had another chance of extending their lead in the 38th minute after Pearson found himself in acres of space at the far post. The Scotsman’s header goal-wards, however, wasn’t strong enough to beat Chowdhury in goal.
Robin Singh had a deflected shot on goal parried behind for a corner by Majumder moments later. The last chance of the half also went Goa’s way courtesy of a Trindade snapshot on the turn, which was inches wide of goal.
ATK’s first chance of the second half came after six minutes through skipper Borja Fernandez, whose rifled-shot from distance sailed just over the crossbar. Goa were given a way back into the game a minute later with Pearson receiving his marching orders for robust tackle on Trindade.
That didn’t stop Kolkata from looking for a second though as Lara’s free-kick in the 58th minute nearly sneaked into the goal. The Gaurs’ man-advantage didn’t last long as Balmuchu too was sent for an early shower with the game approaching the hour-mark to make it 10-v-10.
Iain Hume then forced Chowdhury into a good low save to his right in the 70thminute after unleashing a shot from range. The game took another twist six minutes later after Borja handled inside the box to concede a penalty. Joffre stepped up and converted the spot-kick with conviction to make it 1-1.
Goa’s equaliser set up a grandstand finish with both sides in search of a late winner. The Gaurs nearly got the goal four minutes from time after substitute Julio Cesar sent a dangerous ball across the face of ATK’s goal. Joffre’s desperate stretch to get on the end of the cross wasn’t enough, however, as the ball trickled over the line for a goal-kick.
Borja almost redeemed himself with an effort in the 89th minute. The Spaniard’s shot had Chowdhury scrambling in goal but his attempt was just wide of the mark as ATK played out their third draw of the season, while Goa registered their first point of Hero ISL 2016.
Match awards:
Club award: Shared by both clubs
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Javi Lara
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Iain Hume
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Subhasish Chowdhury
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Abinash Ruidas
Hero of the Match: Sameehg Doutie

Match 14 ; Delhi Dynamos FC 1 - 1 NorthEast United FC

Delhi held to second consecutive draw after 1-1 against NorthEast


Delhi Dynamos FC were held to a 1-1 draw by NorthEast United FC in front of more than 27,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. Kean Lewis scored for the Dynamos in the first half and Emiliano Alfaro scored his fourth goal of Hero Indian Super League 2016 in the second period to share the spoils after a pulsating encounter in the capital city.
It took the hosts just two minutes to register their first attempt on target. A Lewis pass made its way to Marcelinho, whose shot from range was collected comfortably by Subrata Paul in NorthEast United FC’s goal.
The visitors first shot on target came in the 15th minute after Alfaro picked up a ball on the right flank and cut in field before shooting at goal. His effort failed to trouble Antonio Doblas in goal, however, after the sting was taken away from the shot following a deflection off Delhi’s defence.
The Dynamos went straight up the other end to force Paul into a double save seconds later. Marcelinho first fired in a low cross after getting to the byline. Emerson Moura tried to guide the cross into the net but Gustavo Lazzaretti deflected the ball behind for a corner. Marcos Tebar then headed the resulting corner wide of the target after being left unmarked in the box.
Paul was forced into a triple save in the 19th minute after initially parrying Milan Singh’s shot from distance straight to Lewis, who forced the NorthEast goalkeeper into another save. The ball then fell to Richard Gadze, who also tested Paul but was denied in the space of seconds.
The Highlanders almost capitalised on a double mistake by Ruben Rocha soon after to take the lead. Katsumi’s first shot went narrowly wide of the far post, while Alfaro’s attempt at an open goal after Nicolas Velez had squared the ball to him was also wide of goal.
The opening goal came in the 38th minute from a Delhi corner. Paul completely missed his attempted punch of Marcelinho’s corner as the ball fell nicely for Lewis. The Delhi winger trapped the ball expertly and finished into an open net to make it 1-0 for the Lions.
NorthEast had a chance of equalising in the first minute of added time at the end of the opening period after an exquisite pass by Romaric found Holicharan Narzary on the right. Narzary’s cross found Velez in the box, who headed on target only for Rocha to make a goal-line clearance and keep it at 1-0 in favour of the home side going into the break.
Paul was called into action four minutes into the second half after Marcelinho picked out Gadze with a ball from deep inside his half. The Ghanaian striker controlled the ball brilliantly and ran past Didier Zokora but Paul was quick off his line to make the save.
It turned out to be crucial with the Highlanders finding the equaliser just two minutes later. Velez dispossessed Rocha before squaring to Alfaro again. This time the Uruguayan made no mistake as he drilled the ball in between Chinglensana Singh’s feet at the second time of asking to make it 1-1.
Gadze went through on goal again in the 56th minute but Paul had his near post covered perfectly to deny the Ghanaian. Alfaro then blazed over the crossbar six minutes later for NorthEast after Velez had threaded in another superb ball to put the Uruguayan through on goal.
The last chance of note in the game fell to substitute Florent Malouda in injury time. Delhi’s French talisman failed to hit the target, however, with his weaker right-foot as the first game of Hero ISL 2016 in the capital city ended in a 1-1 draw.
Match awards:
Club award: Shared by both clubs
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Holicharan Narzary
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Nicolas Velez
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Ruben Rocha
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Kean Lewis
Hero of the Match: Emiliano Alfaro

Match 13; Kerala Blasters FC 1 - 0 Mumbai City FC

Kerala Blasters end Mumbai City’s unbeaten start with 1-0 win


Kerala Blasters FC beat Mumbai City FC 1-0 for their first win of the 2016 Hero Indian Super League in front of more than 40,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday. Kerala dominated the match and got their goal in the 58th minute through Michael Chopra for Steve Coppell’s first three points as head coach of the Blasters.
Kerala made a lightning quick start from kick-off thanks to Mohammed Rafi, who headed a Kervens Belfort cross from the left on goal with just 20 seconds on the clock. Rafi got in behind Mumbai’s backline two minutes later again but scuffed his effort on goal wide this time.
The Blasters had another golden opportunity of taking the lead in the 17th minute after a Sandesh Jhingan cross from the right made its way to Belfort at the far post. The Haitian’s first-time volley on goal though was blocked off by Mumbai’s defence.
Chopra was the next Kerala Blasters player to have a crack at goal in the 35th minute as the hosts continued to dominate the opening half. The 32-year-old’s shot from the edge of the penalty area ricocheted off Mumbai’s defence and allowed the visitors to clear the danger.
The penultimate chance of the half also fell to Chopra courtesy of a stunning ball by Josu Currais from the left, which found the former Newcastle United striker with space on the right. His shot on goal forced Roberto Volpato into a low save to his right to keep it at 0-0.
Josu’s corner in the last minute of first-half stoppage time found Rafi unmarked in the penalty area. The veteran striker, however, failed to keep his header on goal as Kerala went in at the half-time interval with the score still at 0-0.
Kerala started the second half the way they ended the first. Their first shot on target in the second period came after a neat one-two between Chopra and Azrack Mahamat set up the latter for a shot on goal on the edge of Mumbai’s penalty box. The Chadian’s attempt on goal was well-struck but straight into Volpato’s arms in Mumbai’s goal.
The hosts finally took the lead in the 58th minute after Belfort’s attempt on goal found its way to Chopra on the edge of the six-yard box. This time Chopra made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball past Volpato to score his first ever Hero ISL goal and Kerala’s first of the season.
Mumbai made a double substitution in the 65th minute as Alexandre Guimaraes brought on Sena Ralte and Sony Norde for Boithang Haokip and Lucian Goian in search of an equaliser. Norde made his presence felt four minutes later by dancing past Jhingan before beating Sandip Nandy in goal. Only a spectacular goal-line clearance by Kerala skipper Aaron Hughes kept his side’s one-goal lead intact.
The Blasters sat deep in the last 10 minutes of the game with Mumbai throwing everything forward in search of a late leveller. Some resolute defending by Kerala’s defence under the leadership and guidance of Hughes, however, saw the Blasters over the line for their first win of Hero ISL 2016.
Match Awards:
Club award: Kerala Blasters FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Josu Currais
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Kervens Belfort
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Aaron Hughes
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Aiborlang Khongjee
Hero of the Match: Michael Chopra

Match 12 ' Chennaiyin FC 2 - 0 FC Goa

NorthEast beat Pune City 1-0 to go to the summit of the league


NorthEast United FC beat FC Pune City 1-0 in front of almost 8,000 fans at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi, Pune on Wednesday. It was an action-packed Hero ISL 2016 encounter that saw two players being sent off. NorthEast’s Nirmal Chettri saw red in the 36th minute, while Pune’s Eduardo Ferreira was sent for an early shower 20 minutes from time. Emiliano Alfaro scored the only goal of the game in the 79th minute.
The hosts registered the first shot on target in the fifth minute through Jonatan Lucca, who forced Subrata Paul into a comfortable save from a direct free-kick. NorthEast’s Romaric then tried his luck from range eight minutes later but failed to test Edel Bete in Pune’s goal.
The visitors were at it again in the 18th minute after some intrinsic play inside Pune’s box nearly led to the game’s opener. Katsumi Yusa found himself with space inside the Stallions’ penalty area and cut the ball back for Alfaro. The Uruguayan’s intelligent dummy fed the ball to Nicolas Velez, whose scuffed shot on goal was cleared by Francis Fernandes.
Velez and Alfaro combined well again near the half hour mark after the Argentine attacker found NorthEast’s top-scorer this season with a dangerous ball from the right. Alfaro’s desperate stretch, however, wasn’t enough to make a proper connection with the cross as the ball went behind for a Pune goal-kick.
NorthEast suffered a body blow in the 36th minute after Chettri received a direct red for a late tackle on Anibal Rodriguez. Pune tried to make the man advantage count but the best chance of the half fell NorthEast’s way five minutes before the break. It came from a Romaric free-kick that was guided towards goal by Alfaro but Bete was alert to the danger and punched clear to make it 0-0 at half-time.
Pune bought on Arata Izumi for Gouramangi Singh at the start of the second period as they looked to make the most of their extra man. Lucca took Pune’s first shot of the half on goal but Paul was positioned perfectly between the sticks to make the save.
The Highlanders’ first shot of the half came in the 56th minute after a surging run by Romaric from deep inside his own half led to him unleashing a powerful effort from range that went straight into Bete’s arms as the home crowd breathed a sigh of relief.
The Velez and Alfaro combination continued to keep the hosts alert in defence. This time Alfaro squared to Velez on the edge of the Stallions’ box but the Argentine’s first-time shot on goal failed to trouble Bete and flew over the crossbar.
The match took another twist in the 71st minute after Eduardo Ferreira was given his marching orders by the referee after picking up his second yellow of the game, making it ten versus ten for the final 20 minutes of the match.
The winner came in the 79th minute courtesy of a quick and incisive break by the Highlanders. Romaric began the move with an exquisite pass in behind Pune’s backline to Velez. The Argentine found Katsumi, whose scuffed shot made its way to Alfaro, who made no mistake this time around as he finished with his left foot to make it 1-0.
The visitors could have put the game to bed in the 86th minute after another delightful ball by Romaric to Velez. This time, however, Bete came to his side’s rescue with a save low to his right to keep his side in the game. The Stallions though failed to create any chance of note during the closing stages of the game as NorthEast registered their third win out of four matches.
Match Awards:
Club award: NorthEast United FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Romaric
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Katsumi Yusa
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Nicolas Velez
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Francis Fernandes
Hero of the Match: Emiliano Alfaro