NorthEast United substitute Idriss Sylla scored a late goal to end the night at 1-1 in the first leg of the semifinal against ATK Mohun Bagan at the GMC Athletic Stadium on Saturday.
David Williams gave Mohun Bagan the lead in the 35th minute after a well-taken goal after having been set up by Roy Krishna.
NorthEast missed striker Deshorn Brown, who wasn't named in the matchday squad, before Sylla was brought on as a second half change. The goal against Mohun Bagan was Sylla's first goal since November 30 last year in the 1-1 draw against FC Goa.
The second leg will now be played at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday.