Ratings: Brilliant Rahim Ali and Aakash Sangwan help Chennaiyin thump NorthEast United

The Group D Hero Super Cup clash saw several impressive performances by the players.

Chennaiyin FC opened their Super Cup 2023 account with a decent 4-2 win over NorthEast United FC on Tuesday. The Indian Super League (ISL) outfits played an entertaining contest that saw six goals. 

The Marina Machans were a step ahead of the Highlanders in all departments. They were in control for the majority of the game and had better quality in the final third which was crucial in deciding the outcome of the game. 

Here is a look at the player ratings from Chennaiyin FC vs NorthEast United FC from Group D of the Super Cup 2023:

Chennaiyin FC

Samik Mitra (GK) - 7.5

Samik Mitra made a few important saves but his composure on the ball during possession was particularly impressive.

Edwin Vanspaul - 8.0

The full-back scored CFC’s second of the night with a brilliant right-footed volley from long-range into the bottom left corner. He later provided an assist for Rahim Ali’s goal with an accurate cross in the box.

Fallou Diagne - 6.0

The centre-back was decent in his duties and cleared any attacking threat coming his way. Although, he got a yellow card for a lapse in concentration.

Vafa Hakhamaneshi - 7.5

Vafa was incredible for CFC. His carrying of the ball beyond the defensive line was important in building up attacking moves from the back. In defence, the centre-back was solid and did not give NEUFC defenders any room to breathe.

Narayan Das - 6.0

Narayan Das was solid in the left-back position. He combined well with Sangwan on the left flank as the latter was playing a more advanced role.

Anirudh Thapa - 6.5

Anirudh Thapa was brilliant as usual. The box-to-box midfielder contributed to both defence and attack. He had a brilliant shot on target in the second half but could not score for his team.

Jiteshwor Singh - 6.5

The midfielder had a game full of ups and downs. He got a yellow card for recklessness as well.  

Julius Duker - 7.5

The midfielder scored a brilliant goal by wrestling away his marker and scoring with a volley after connecting with a corner kick. He dominated the midfield and moved the ball around with poise. 

Aakash Sangwan - 9.0

The full-back was sensational with his deliveries, providing an assist for the third goal by Chennaiyin FC. His work rate got him the Hero of the Match award as well. He finished the game with two assists.

Kwame Karikari - 5.5

The striker missed a brilliant chance to score after beating the goalkeeper in the second half. He needs to brush up on his finishing skills. 

Rahim Ali - 8.5

The striker opened the scoring with a brilliant-headed goal and kept up the pressure with attempts on goal. He added another in the second half with another header in the back of the net after scoring from close range by latching on to a cross by Vanspaul.

Substitutes

Mohammad Rafique - 6.0

The midfielder replaced Jiteshwor Singh who was on a yellow card in the second half. He performed his duties well and kept the ball moving from one flank to another.

Prasanth - N/A 

Came on too late to make an impact.

Ajith Kumar - N/A

Came on too late to make an impact.

Bikash Yumnam - N/A

Came on too late to make an impact.

Senthamil Senbagam - N/A

Came on too late to make an impact.

NorthEast United FC

Mirshad Michu (GK) - 4.0

The custodian conceded four goals and lacked control of his own box. 

Joe Zoherliana - 4.5

Joe was under a lot of pressure due to Sangwan’s brilliant display. He found himself outnumber and isolated on multiple occasions.

Alisher Kholmurodov - 5.5

The centre-back struggled to forge a partnership with Alex Saji and the newness of their pairing was clear to see. 

Alex Saji - 5.5

The centre-back was poor in marking the attackers and did not anticipate aerial threats well.

Tondonba Singh - 5.5

Tondonba Singh found life difficult on the left flank. He could have done better to block the cross that led to the first CFC goal. 

Romain Philipoteaux - 6.5

The playmaker was unable to impact the game as he was outnumbered by CFC midfielders in the middle of the park.

Joseba Beitia - 5.5

Joseba Beitia did not have the best night as he lost his marker Duker inside the box who went on to score for CFC. The midfielder could not create clear scoring chances for his team.

Mohamed Irshad - 5.5

It was a forgettable performance by Irshad who came away from the game with a yellow card.

Rochharzela - 7.5

The winger scored in the first half to ensure NEUFC went into the halftime break with a deficit of one goal. 

Wilmar Jordan - 5.5

Wilmar Jordan found himself in good positions to score but forgot his scoring boots at home. Frustrating night for the striker.

Jithin MS - 6.0

Caused a few problems for CFC full-backs with his pace and earned a couple of free-kicks by luring the opposition midfielders into fouling him.

Substitutes

Gani Nigam - 5.5

Gani Nigam was unable to make an impact from the bench as CFC’s midfield continued to dominate the proceedings.

Emil Benny - 7.0

Emil Benny had a positive impact on the game, delivering a few dangerous crosses into the box. He made a strong case for a start in the next game.

Gurjinder Singh - 5.0

Gurjinder Singh was poor in the final third and found himself out of position in a couple of instances.

Laldanmawia Ralte - 6.5

Laldanmawia Ralte scored a late consolation for his team, showing composure in the penalty area.

Imran Khan - 5.5

Did not get enough opportunities to impact the game.