ISL 2015: Iain Hume scores the winner as Kolkata climb up to second
Atletico de Kolkata came from behind to win 2-1 against Chennaiyin FC at the Salt Lake Stadium with Iain Hume stamping his class once again. The win lifts Kolkata above Pune City in the points table and places Chennaiyin firmly at the bottom.
Chennaiyin midfielder Raphael Augusto provided the visitors with the lead in the 26th minute of the game after a series of embarrassing mistakes by the Kolkata defenders. Left back Augustin Fernandes slipped while attempting a clearance and missed the ball completely. Augusto ran with the ball towards the goal, and skipped past Kolkata defender Arnab Mondal who missed his half-hearted tackle. Amidst all this chaos, Augusto kept his calm and slotted the ball past the onrushing Kolkata goalkeeper.
Chennaiyin defender Dhanachandra Singh made a goal saving tackle in the 34th minute, when Saheemg Doutie ran through on goal after a delicate header by Iain Hume at the edge of the box.
Former Atletico striker Fikru did not have too many opportunities upfront, on his return to the stadium where he was once a hero among the fans. But he missed a golden opportunity to double Chennai's lead in the 40th minute, when he broke the offside trap but failed to chip the goalkeeper with his weak left foot.
Kolkata did not have to long for an equalizer though, as Doutie, who has been impressive since making his debut, scored a goal with a stunning volley. Dhana, who saved a goal earlier, gave away a needless free-kick on the right wing and Jaime Gavilan produced a dangerous delivery from the set piece.
Karanjit Singh, Chennaiyin goalkeeper, came out and punched the ball, but it reached only as far as Doutie at the edge of the 18-yard box. The South African struck the ball cleanly and his low volley went through a host of bodies, before finding the back of the net. It was Doutie's first goal and he produced a series of somersaults at the corner flag, made famous by Fikru last season – the Chennaiyin striker could only watch on dejected.
Both the teams went into the half-time break tied at 1-1 and Kolkata certainly carried the momentum into the second half.
Chennaiyin defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo came close to scoring an own goal after the start of the second half. Rino Anto produced a testing cross from the right wing, and with Hume hovering over his shoulder, Wadoo's attempted clearance turned into a shot on goal- thankfully for him, it went straight to the goalkeeper.
Iain Hume gave Atletico the winning lead in the 62nd minute, when he prodded in Doutie's brilliant cross. It was one of the best team goals of the tournament so far and the build-up play began at the back with Arnab Mondal starting the move.
Although his team continues to concede goals, Antonio Habas will be pleased with the fact that his strike force is starting to out-score their opponents– that too without Helder Postiga in the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin's win-less streak extended to four matches, and once again Marco Materazzi's team selection will come under a lot criticism. His decision to bench both Jayesh Rane and Stiven Mendoza has had an adverse effect on his team and he will need to re-look his strategy quickly.
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