Massamba Sambou’s brace helped rock bottom side NorthEast United FC thrash table toppers Chennaiyin FC 3-0. With tonight’s victory, the John Abraham owned side climbed up to 5th position in the Hero Indian Super League table. NorthEast United performed brilliantly to secure all three points while Chennaiyin thoroughly missed the sting in the attacking zone in the absence of both Elano and John Mendoza.
NorthEast United looked hungry for goals from the start
Chennaiyin started in an attacking 4-3-3 formation where Marco Materazzi fielded Haitian international striker Jean Maurice alongside Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant in attack. NorthEast United on the other hand approached the game with their trademark 4-1-3-2. Massamba Sambou started as a center back and Durga Boro accompanied Seminlen Doungel in the strike force.
NorthEast, understandably, looked more desperate to bag all three points. The home team scored the opening goal in just the 10th minute. Boithang Haokip sent in a cross from the right wing which was cleared half-heartedly by Eric Djemba Djemba inside the penalty box. Local boy Durga Boro tapped in the half chance and converted smoothly.
Around the 21st minute mark, centre back Massamba Sambou scored his maiden goal in the Indian Super League with a header from Koke’s corner. Two minutes later Sambou completed his brace with yet another header, this time from Koke’s free-kick.
Eric Djemba Djemba who is predominantly a defensive midfielder never looked comfortable in the centre back position. He struggled to deal with the opponent’s series of attacks. NorthEast United never looked complacent even after a three goal lead and instead continued their attacking football. Chennaiyin, on the other hand, were forced to sit back and play on the counter-attack.
NorthEast United defended well in the second half
Marco Materazzi replaced an ineffective Bruno Pelissari with Cristian Hidalgo, who scored in the last game, with a hope of getting back in the match. Jeje too was replaced by young Indian striker Jayesh Rane. Chennaiyin dominated possession throughout the second half but never created positive goalscoring chances.
Credit must be given to the home team’s defensive composition which prevented Chennaiyin from coming back into the game. Denson Devadas had to be substituted in the 68th minute as the midfielder suffered an injury. This may add to Materazzi’s trouble as the team is already plagued with a series on injuries to key players.
NorthEast United FC climb up to 5th position with 13 points from 11 matches. Chennaiyin maintain their top position. In the first of the game the table toppers looked like mere minnows in front of the rock bottom team. NorthEast United FC combined well and finally found goals just when it was required.
The game also saw Joan Capdevila sent off and he will miss the next game.
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