NorthEast United FC left it late to secure its first win against Bengaluru FC (BFC) but what an important win it turned out to be in the semi-final first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19.
NorthEast United striker Juan Mascia converted a penalty in added time
Guwahati:
Bengaluru struggled to make an impact in the attacking third and paid the price in the first half as Redeem Tlang (20’) put the home side in front. An improved second half from the visitor culminated in a goal by Xisco Hernandez (82’). But a late penalty from Juan Mascia (90+3’) handed the advantage back to Eelco Schattorie’s side.
NorthEast, however, was dealt a huge blow as Bartholomew Ogbeche and Rowllin Borges were forced off the field at the end of the first half due to injuries. In the opening half, Tlang made full use of the space afforded to him on the wings and scored in the 20th minute.
Ogbeche sprayed the ball to the right for Tlang, who cut inside and curled a terrific left-footed strike into the top left corner of the net.
Bengaluru started to see more of the ball, but it was NorthEast which threatened first after the restart. Nikhil Kadam received the ball on the left flank and crossed into the box. The ball was headed clear into the path of Tlang. The winger attempted a volley from the edge of the box but it was miscued.
Bengaluru went close in the 66th minute from a corner. The delivery into the box wasn’t properly cleared and it fell to Xisco whose swerving strike missed the post by a whisker. BFC managed to grab the equaliser in the 82nd minute. Sunil Chhetri latched on to a ball into the box, dribbled to the byline and cut it back for Xisco. The Spaniard beat his marker and tapped the ball in at the near post.
A free-kick in the last minute of added time gave the host its lifeline. Harmanjot Khabra fouled Mascia inside the box as Lalthathanga Khawlhring sent the ball into the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Mascia stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards.
In four attempts since last season, NorthEast United was the second best side. But when it mattered the most, the host turned it around majestically to script an incredible 2-1 victory at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Thursday. The second leg will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on March 11.
Bengaluru struggled to make an impact in the attacking third and paid the price in the first half as Redeem Tlang (20’) put the home side in front. An improved second half from the visitor culminated in a goal by Xisco Hernandez (82’). But a late penalty from Juan Mascia (90+3’) handed the advantage back to Eelco Schattorie’s side.
NorthEast, however, was dealt a huge blow as Bartholomew Ogbeche and Rowllin Borges were forced off the field at the end of the first half due to injuries. In the opening half, Tlang made full use of the space afforded to him on the wings and scored in the 20th minute.
Ogbeche sprayed the ball to the right for Tlang, who cut inside and curled a terrific left-footed strike into the top left corner of the net.
Bengaluru started to see more of the ball, but it was NorthEast which threatened first after the restart. Nikhil Kadam received the ball on the left flank and crossed into the box. The ball was headed clear into the path of Tlang. The winger attempted a volley from the edge of the box but it was miscued.
Bengaluru went close in the 66th minute from a corner. The delivery into the box wasn’t properly cleared and it fell to Xisco whose swerving strike missed the post by a whisker. BFC managed to grab the equaliser in the 82nd minute. Sunil Chhetri latched on to a ball into the box, dribbled to the byline and cut it back for Xisco. The Spaniard beat his marker and tapped the ball in at the near post.
A free-kick in the last minute of added time gave the host its lifeline. Harmanjot Khabra fouled Mascia inside the box as Lalthathanga Khawlhring sent the ball into the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Mascia stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards.