Redeem Tlang
Redeem Tlang from Meghalaya celebrates after scoring a goal against Bengaluru FC. Image - Twitter

In the first leg semifinal clash of the Indian Super League 2018-19 between NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC played at Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the hosts are leading by 1-0 at half time.

The first 45 minutes of the game comes to an end with the Highlanders taking the lead with Redeem Tlang from Meghalaya unleashing a beautiful curler past Gurpreet.

Eelco Schattorie’s side’s eyes set on the chance of creating history by making it to maiden final in their fight against Bengaluru FC.

NorthEast United FC are the only team from the original eight clubs to have never finished in top four, qualified for the play-offs for the first time in the history of Indian Super League.

NEUFC rely heavily on Federico Gallego and Bartholomew Ogbeche, who have been consistently showing good performances throughout the season to help their side make it to the semifinals.

However, Bengaluru FC, who remained unbeaten till January this season, had some tough time towards the end of the season.

After the international break, Bengaluru FC lost four games, thereby denting their confidence.

On Thursday’s match, at 7th minute, Leudo set himself up to fire one towards Gurpreet. But it went wide.

At 11th minute, in a beautiful spell of play, Redeem Tlang picked up the ball on the right hand side and put in a well-drilled cross but Serran cleared the danger.

And at 19th minute, amidst applause from their supporters, Redeem Tlang of NorthEast United FC got his first goal for himself and also for his team in Thursday’s match.

Till half time, the hosts continue to lead Thursday’s semifinal match of the first leg semifinal of the ISL.

On its Twitter handle, NEUFC on its Twitter handle stated: “A brilliant first 45 comes to an end with the Highlanders taking the lead with Redeem unleashing a beautiful curler past Gurpreet! Unfortunate to see Ogbeche limp off but we’re going to give our best for our captain!”