Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 returned to action on a thrilling note after the international break with Chennaiyin FC earning a thrilling 3-2 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. (Highlights | More Football News)
This became Chennaiyin FC's second win of the tournament in four games (2W 1D 1L) while for the Highlanders, it was their second defeat in five matches (1W 2D 2L).
Like in their first four matches of the ongoing ISL season, NorthEast yet again scored the opening goal of the match. Nestor Albiach struck in the fifth minute for the Highlanders but by the 36th minute, the visitors took the lead.
After Wilmar Jordan Gill headed the equaliser in the 21st minute, Lukas Brambilla scored from the spot in the 36th to take the Marina Machans ahead. Gill then found the third goal for Chennaiyin and the second of the match for himself just five minutes after the break to put the Highlanders further under pressure.
In the 83rd minute, Laldinliana Renthlei was shown his second yellow card of the match and sent off, reducing Chennaiyin to 10 man for the remainder of the match. The Highlanders pressed hard and came close a lot of times in the final moments of the game but all they could get was one consolation goal. Alaeddine Ajaraie scored in the 89th minute after winning a penalty himself to make it 3-2.
Ajaraie thus became the highest scorer of the ISL 2024-25 season with goals in every single match that the NorthEast United FC have played. The Moroccan now has five goals in five matches. He was also awarded the Player Of The Month for September 2024 ahead of the match.
However, his fifth goal of the season could only help the Highlanders reduce the goal difference as NorthEast United succumbed to their second defeat of the season.
