XtraTime Web Desk – NorthEast United spoiled ATK Mohun Bagan’s party as the Highlanders scored a late goal to bring the scoreline level. The draw means that both the teams will start from zero in the second leg of the semifinal and have all to play for.
Sandesh Jhingan is out injured but coach Antonio Lopez Habas also dropped Tiri from the side. The Mariners focused more on attacking returns and believed in the philosophy of ‘attack is the best form of defence’.
Roy Krishna and his boys started strong and David Williams picked up the goal in the 34th minute after a beautiful trick. After conceding the goal, NorthEast fought back well. Ashutosh Mehta came very close to score one in the 47th minute but the woodwork denied the former Mariner.
NorthEast kept their pressure on ATK Mohun Bagan’s defence in the second half as well. Arindam Bhattacharya’s challenge in the 49th minute could’ve brought him in trouble but it didn’t.
After a lot of hustle in the midfield, the Highlanders finally scored the equaliser in the 94th minute. Idrissa Sylla scored from the header. Arindam tried his level best but he had very little to do because Sylla put it the perfect place.
Thus, the match ended 1-1 and it’s all to play for the second leg of the semifinal that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.