Hosts NorthEast United FC crushed Indian Super League (ISL) leaders Chennaiyin FC 3-0 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here Thursday to elevate themselves to fifth position in the standings.
Durga Boro opened the account for the hosts and Senegalese defender Massamba L' Sambou helped himself to a brace, all inside the first 23 minutes.
NorthEast United were on the ball right from the start. They pegged the visitors back in their own half with their passing and speed of movement, particularly down the flanks.
Eric Djemba-Djemba's headed clearance hit Seiminlen Doungel and fell kindly for Boro in the 10th minute. The Assamese striker was in the right place at the right time and pounced on the opportunity and finished past a charging Gennaro Bracigliano.
Some 10 minutes later Sambou got two goals in quick succession, both from set pieces, one a corner, and the other a free-kick.
The latter was a beautifully floated in curler from Koke which saw Sambou rise over his markers and head it powerfully across the goal and into the far corner of the net. Both goals came in a space of two minutes and NorthEast United were three goals ahead in the 23rd minute after managing to score just one in the past three games.
NorthEast United marquee player Joan Capdevila was sent off in the 72nd minute after his second booking.
Chennaiyin FC still remain on top of the table with 19 points while NorthEast United have 13 but the leaders will now feel the pressure what with Atletico de Kolkata hot on their heels.
The losers head down south to Kochi for a game against Kerala Blasters FC Nov 30 while the winners travel to Goa for their next fixture Dec 1.
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