Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS): Home team Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Saturday.
The hosts thought they had three points wrapped up, when Elano Blumer scored his second goal in the 78th minute after he had put his side in the lead (25th minute).
But Koke came up with a stunning equaliser (85th) to ensure a division of points.
Earlier, Seiminlen Doungel helped the visitors draw level (38th minute) with a sweetly timed volley to ensure the two sides crossed over on level terms.
Chennaiyin remain second with 11 points from six games while NorthEast move up to fourth with nine points from seven games.
It was end-to-end stuff with the hosts having the greater share of exchanges and chances.
But they were denied on several occasions by timely tackles from the NorthEast defenders and also by Rehenesh T.P. under the bar, who had another great day in office. Twice, he denied Elano, once in each half, with excellent saves, besides making a few other blocks.
The visitors also gave a good account of themselves with their commitment and organisation but their final pass was lacking, thereby blunting the edge in their attacks.
After stitching together a few good moves through both flanks, Chennai went ahead when Elano ran in to meet a Denson Devdas cross from the left and unleashed a powerful header that beat Rehenesh.
The visitors equalised through diminutive striker Doungel, who hit the target with a turn and volley after James Keene had flicked it on, following a cross from the Airborlang Khongjee.
Elano then got his eighth goal of ISL when he dribbled past two defenders at the top of the box and drilled a low shot to the far corner.
However, NorthEast showed their resilience when Koke pounced on a poor headed clearance by Bernard Mendy and blasted a stunning volley past Gennaro Bracigliano.
The visitors had a couple of chances more to script a sensational finish but that was not to be.
Chennai travel to Pune for their next fixture Nov 11 while NorthEast United return home to take on FC Pune City Nov 15.