Chennaiyin FC winger Lallianzuala Chhangte vouched for Indian forwards after their 2-1 win over NorthEast United FC in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Margao, on Monday.

Chhangte and Anirudh Thapa scored on either side of the half-time whistle to steer the Marina Machans to their second win in the ongoing season in as many matches. VP Suhair, who scored for the Highlanders to complete the all-Indian scoresheet, could not save his team from a second defeat.

“Yeah, it gives us confidence (the win), and we showed that not only foreigners but even Indians can do it (score goals). So, with a mixture of good experienced foreigners and Indian players, we can do a lot of things,” said Chhangte, after the win.

NorthEast United FC were dealt a huge blow by losing their most influential player - Federico Gallego in the 25th minute of the game owing to an injury. As per their head coach Khalid Jamil, the turn of events proved consequential for them in the context of the game.

“Really, we missed (Fredrico) Gallego, he was with us in the first half. We controlled the game when he was there, but after his injury, we lacked the combination between the midfielders and the strikers. So that was the main thing, I think,” stated Khalid Jamil, during the post-match interview.

Chennaiyin FC head was content with the win over NorthEast United FC, but also highlighted the areas they need to improve and why they have to be patient to bring out their best in the season.

“We had seven weeks of preparation with our full team, so winning these two games was very important for us. Yes, I am happy with some moments when we moved the ball that created chances, we could have scored more in the first half. We controlled the game, but, of course, we need to work more, tactically and physically,” explained Bandovic, following the match.

“Everyone needs to understand that we have more work to do, because we cannot fix the team the way I want to in two months. So, we need to be patient. All the credit to my players for the game they played and congratulations to them,” added the manager.

Anirudh Thapa, who scored the winner for Chennaiyin FC, was elated with the victory over the Highlanders, especially due to the technical aspects they rectified from the previous game.

“Really happy, it was a much needed win because, you know, in the first game we were not technically good, there were lots of misspasses, but in this game we had to show that we can do it. And we are really happy that we have six points,” stated Thapa, the Chennaiyin FC skipper.

Chennaiyin FC will be up against SC East Bengal in their next match on Friday, at the Tilak Maidan, in Vasco. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC will face FC Goa the following day, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Margao.