GUWAHATI, Feb 25 - NorthEast United FC failed to end their ISL campaign on a winning note as they were held 2-2 by a 10-man Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here today.
Both teams went into the break on level terms with Masih Saighani giving Chennaiyin the lead before Martin Chaves converted from the spot.
Chennaiyin took the lead in the 17th minute through Masih after NorthEast failed to clear a throw-in. With a scramble in the box, the Afghan�s shot sneaked in despite Soram Poirei managing to get his gloves on the ball but the shot had too much power in it.
Tondonba Singh was given his marching orders after a little push on Ninthoi Meetei which saw the latter go down inside the box. The referee straightaway brought out the red card. Chaves who stepped in to take the penalty made no mistake in equalising as he sent Karanjit Singh the other way in the 43rd minute.
With the second half kicking off, both the teams had their share of chances but it was NorthEast United who surged ahead for the first time in the match. Despite playing against 10-man, the hosts failed to keep the Chennaiyin attackers at bay and Lallianzuala Chhangte equalised.
The Highlanders finally took the lead in the 71st minute when Chaves found the back of the net to secure his brace. Lallianzuala Chhangte struck against the run of play in the dying minutes of the match to level the scores.
