New Delhi: A 10-man NorthEast United FC side came up with an impressive show, upsetting table toppers Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in their Indian Super League match in Guwahati on Thursday.NE United, who started the match at the bottom of the points table, rode on a brace from Massamba (21st, 23rd minutes) after Durga Boro (10th) gave the hosts a rousing start.
As the home strikers grabbed their chances in the first 45 minutes, Koke was the mastermind in the midfield.After a poor first half, Chennai managed to make some movement forward but lacked finish.They, in fact, got several chances late in the match as NE United struggled with their defence. Joan Capdevila’s red card in the 71th minute also went in the visitors’ favour, but they failed to capitalise on it.
Mumbai have eyes set on fourth spot
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC will aim to secure the fourth spot on the points table when they take on Delhi Dynamos in an Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.If their recent form is anything to go by, Mumbai will have to improve a lot in order to beat the Dynamos in their home ground. Of the last four, they have drawn three and lost the previous one against Chennaiyin FC.
But all is not yet lost. Currently on 12 points, Mumbai can still stake a claim for a semifinal spot. A victory over Delhi will see them equal FC Goa and Kerala Blasters (currently third and fourth respectively) in terms of points. If Mumbai can score more than thrice against Delhi, they will dislodge the Blasters from the fourth spot.
Despite having several star players in their line-up, Mumbai have somehow lacked bite in front of goal. But skipper Anelka have shown good form of late and the visitors will be hoping for another good performance on Friday evening. Former Bolton midfielder Andre Moritz has also emerged as one of the side's key attacking players.
Delhi on the other hand, are virtually down and out. With 10 points from an equal number of matches, it would need a small miracle to see them make the play-offs. But the visitors could pay dearly if they underestimate the Dynamos. Coming off an away win at NorthEast United, the hosts are a rejuvenated lot. They have improved quite a bit in their last two matches.
