FootballNet.in
Author

Staff Reporter

Browsing
Indian Super League

ATK appoint Antonio López Habas as their new head coach

By

Kolkata, West Bengal: Two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions, ATK, have signed Spaniard Antonio López Habas as the Head Coach for the upcoming season.

Habas has previously been successful with ATK, catapulting them to victory in the inaugural season of Hero ISL in 2014 and taking the team to the semi-finals in 2015. Known for his unconventional moves and aggressive style, Habas is a fan-favourite and extremely popular in the city of Kolkata.

The 61-year old Spanish coach used to play as a defender in La Liga for clubs such as Sevilla, Real Murcia and Burgos CF. He has had an extensive coaching career where he coached the Bolivian national team and appeared with them at two Copa América tournaments. Habas was also hired by Valencia CF as their Head Coach in La Liga.

“I am glad to welcome back our new Head Coach, Antonio López Habas to the ATK family. I wish him all the best to carry our two-time championship legacy forward. He is an exceptional manager and I am hopeful Habas will lead the way for ATK with his unique strategies and his enthusiasm,” said Mr Sanjiv Goenka, Principal Owner, ATK

“I am very proud to be the Head Coach of ATK. I have always had the feeling that I will be back to train the team. I am sure that with the support of the fans, and us working together, we will get the recognition and the results that the club deserves. Success will be achieved when we aspire to compete hard and add to the professional growth of the club. Many thanks to ATK for showing their confidence in me yet again,” said Habas after his appointment.

(ISL Media)

Keep Reading
By
AFC Cup

Minerva Punjab held by Manang Marshyangdi in a four-goal thriller

By

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: A late equaliser from Oluwawunmi Somide ensured Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club could celebrate their first-ever AFC Cup point after a 2-2 draw with India’s Minerva Punjab on Wednesday. The Nepalese side, who had suffered back-to-back defeats in their maiden AFC Cup campaign, had three good opportunities within the opening five minutes.

The pick of those coming when Nigerian Afeez Oladipo was sent through on goal by countryman Somide, but the forward was denied at close range by a sprawling Minerva goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh.

And it proved to be a crucial save, as it was the hosts who then took the lead in the eighth minute.

The Manang defence failed to deal with Makan Chote’s cross from the right and Sreyas Gopalan charged down an attempted clearance, forcing the ball home.

The visitors did have a chance to restore parity shortly after the half hour mark when Singh brought down Oluwashina Azeez in the area, but the ‘keeper redeemed himself with a smart save to block Sujal Shrestha’s subsequent spot-kick.

Manang went close again to finding a leveller just before the interval, but Oladipo’s cross-cum-shot from the left evaded both the defender, Singh and the stretching Somide, to roll inches wide of the far post.

But a moment of Nepalese footballing history did finally arrive in the 69th minute of the game.

Abhishek Rijal latched onto Kamal Shrestha’s ball across the penalty box and curled an effort that Singh could only help into the far corner of the net, giving Manang their country’s first-ever AFC Cup goal.

The elation at Rijal’s goal turned to disappointment with four minutes remaining however as substitute Moinuddin Khan was fouled inside the box by Biraj Maharjan, and Kareem Omolaja cooly converted the penalty.

And yet there was still a further twist in the tale, as Kamal Shrestha again found himself in space on the right and his inviting cross was headed firmly past Singh by Somide to secure a maiden point for Manang in stoppage time.

The draw is Minerva Punjab’s third in succession and sees them now four points behind Group E leaders and compatriots Chennaiyin FC, while Manang, despite their historic first point in the Continental competition, remain bottom of the standings.

The two face each other again in the return match in Nepal on May 15.

(AFC Media)

Keep Reading
By
AFC Cup

Chennaiyin FC consolidate top spot with hard-fought win over Abahani Dhaka

By

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Chennaiyin FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka in their final 2019 AFC Cup Group E home encounter at The Arena Stadium here today. A deflected goal from Anirudh Thapa in the second half helped CFC bag all three points and consolidate top spot in the group. They are now on seven points after three games; three points clear of Abahani in second.

Abahani threw everything at CFC in the closing stages but the hosts held on for a valuable three points. The result also sees Chennaiyin keep three clean sheets in as many games in the AFC Cup group stages.

Chennaiyin will travel to Bangladesh for the reverse fixture in a fortnight on May 15. The group’s other game of matchday two will take place tomorrow Wednesday May 1 between Minerva Punjab, who are on two points and Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club who are yet to open their account.

Chennaiyin made one change to the side that beat Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club 2-0 in their previous fixture, with fan-favourite Dhanpal Ganesh replacing Germanpreet Singh in midfield. Experienced 36-year-old frontman Mohammed Rafi made a second consecutive start for CFC, alongside Jeje Lalpekhlua upfront.

Abahani had an early corner in the second minute after Eli Sabia cleared a long ball. Haitian forward Kervens Belfort rose the highest and glanced his header just wide of the post. Few minutes later, Belfort almost took advantage again after miscommunication at the back for CFC, only to bump into keeper Karanjit Singh as the latter cleared.

Chennaiyin slowly grew into the game and had their first big chance in the 20th minute. Anirudh Thapa was fouled in the Abahani box by midfielder Sohel Rana, for which the latter was cautioned. From the resulting set-piece, Thapa found CFC skipper Mailson Alves only for the Brazilian’s looping header to be saved by the keeper’s fingertips.

Chennaiyin were forced into a change on the half-hour mark when Australian midfielder Chris Herd was replaced by Germanpreet Singh, after picking up a knock in a coming together with Abahani striker Sunday Chizoba.

Jeje then had a meek attempt five minutes from the break, his shot wayward after some good build-up play between Germanpreet and Thapa.

Abahani had a goal disallowed two minutes later; forward Mohammad Nabib Ziban in an off-side position as he tapped in Masih Saighani’s flick-on.

It was an eventful end to the first period as Dhanpal Ganesh’s glancing header from a Jerry Lalrinzuala corner went just wide of the far post in added time.

It was a largely disjointed start to the second period from both sides, unable to conjure up anything much of note going forward.

The Bangladeshi visitors were forced into a change when midfielder Mohammad Atiqur Rahman was forced off with an injury, replaced by Mohammad Mamunul Islam. Mamunul interestingly was part of the ATK side that won the inaugural Indian Super League title in 2014.

After the hour mark, Ziban drew Karanjit into an easy save from a free-kick after Belfort was fouled by CFC right-back Laldinliana Renthlei.

Few minutes later, CFC made their second change of the evening as forward CK Vineeth replaced Jeje upfront. Mizo man Isaac Vanmalsawma also came on shortly after, for Rafi.

Chennaiyin continued to be a threat from set-pieces. corner from Isaac that Mailson again rose highest in the 75th minute, however his header went high above the crossbar.

Abahani made their final change thereafter as Jewel Rana came on for Rubel Miya on the flanks.
With the last ten minutes of normal time approaching, Chennaiyin broke the deadlock. A pinpoint ball from Isaac found Thapa’s diagonal run into the Abahani box. The CFC No. 15 controlled the ball and rushed towards the byline with a drop of the shoulder, managing to keep off two defenders before sending in a cross-cum-shot. It took a heavy deflection off Abahani’s Brazilian midfielder Wellington Priori, wrong-footing the keeper and sneaking in at the near post.

Abahani tried hard in the closing stages to equalize, but CFC held on for a valuable three points.

(CFC Media)

Keep Reading
By
Men's National Team

AIFF appoints Isac Doru as Technical Director

By

New Delhi: All India Football Federation confirms the appointment of Mr. Isac Doru as its new Technical Director. Mr. Doru was selected from a list of over 60 candidates who had applied for the post which was advertised earlier this year.

Born in Craiova, the 56-year old comes with a rich experience of almost 29 years in International Football across many countries namely France, Japan, USA, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Qatar amongst others. He was last employed as the Sporting Director of three-time J-league Champions Yokohama Marinos FC.

Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF in his statement said: “It’s nice to have Mr. Doru on board. His vast experience will come in handy for Indian Football. I expect him to guide us to the next level.”

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said the biggest challenge is to “sustain the momentum” gained in Indian Football.

“Indian Football has been experiencing a significant transition in recent years. I look up to Mr. Doru to work on, and improve on the roadmap already laid down for the youth teams, and at the same time make value addition to our coach education programme, grassroots, women’s football, and men’s football too,” Mr. Das stated.

Mr. Doru thanked the AIFF for the opportunity, saying he is “looking forward to the challenge.”

“I need to thank All India Football Federation for the opportunity. I’m eager to make a positive contribution to the progress of Football in India, and to work with everyone from the AIFF family,” Mr. Doru stated.

He mentioned that he is “looking forward to starting employment immediately after obtaining the traveling visa to India.”

(AIFF Media)

Keep Reading
By
AFC Cup

Chennaiyin FC notch first AFC Cup group stage win courtesy quickfire Herd and Mailson goals

By

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Chennaiyin FC secured their first ever AFC Cup group stage win courtesy a 2-0 scoreline over Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club at The Arena Stadium here today. Two quickfire second-half goals from Chris Herd and Mailson Alves proved the difference as Chennaiyin went top of Group E, ahead of Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka on goal difference, after the latter’s 2-2 draw with Minerva Punjab earlier in the day.

With Chennaiyin playing their sixth game in 20 days, Head Coach John Gregory made five changes to the starting eleven from the Super Cup final defeat. Mohammed Rafi made his first start of the season, with Jeje Lalpekhlua also returning to the forward line. Germanpreet Singh, Chris Herd and Thoi Singh came into midfield, with Herd having missed the final through suspension.

After a subdued start from both sides, Chennaiyin won a corner in the fifth minute after Laldinliana Renthlei’s hopeful cross was turned away by the Manang keeper. Jeje almost scored from it after Eli Sabia’s mistimed shot found him in the box, but his snapshot deflected just wide.

CFC continued to keep hold of the ball, having spent majority of the first quarter of the game in the Manang box. Rafi then had a half-chance when his shot looped past the far post, after he was found in the box by Renthlei’s low cross.

Rafi had another pop at goal on the half-hour mark. Jerry Lalrinzuala’s cross from the left was flicked first time towards the near post by the Kerala-born striker, only for the keeper to turn it away for yet another CFC corner.

Manang had a rare shot on goal a couple of minutes later. Midfielder Bishal Rai’s meek attempt from outside the box was gathered with ease by Karanjit Singh in the CFC goal.

It just didn’t seem to be coming off for Chennaiyin in front of goal. After some decent build-up, Jeje’s cut-back for the onrushing Germanpreet was skied by the latter under pressure from a defender.

Germanpreet went into the referee’s book soon after for a rough tackle on Manang’s Sujal Shreshtha. The latter was also booked for his reaction.

Manang had a free-kick from a promising position in first-half stoppage time, which Sujal drove straight at Karanjit. It ended goalless at the break with CFC dominating but failing to penetrate in the final third.

The pressure paid off after the restart, with Chennaiyin midfielder Chris Herd finding the back of the net. The 30-year-old Australian played a quick one-two with Rafi before unleashing from the edge of the box; his deflected shot looping past the keeper’s reach. This was Herd’s first goal for the club, having joined in January this year.

Chennaiyin then doubled their lead in as many minutes, from Thapa’s inviting corner kick. CFC skipper Mailson Alves rose the highest to plant a bullet header past the keeper’s reach. This the Brazilian’s third goal of the season in all competitions.

Manang went close few minutes later, when substitute Abhishek Rijal sent a looping header just over the crossbar. The striker had come on moments earlier for Bishal Rai.

Chennaiyin also made their first change of the night when Rafi was replaced by fellow Kerala forward CK Vineeth.

The game became scrappier in the ensuing minutes as CFC made another change. It was like-for-like as Dhanpal Ganesh came on for the goalscorer Herd.

Renthlei then forayed into the Manang box but mulled on it for too long before squaring it out of Jeje’s reach with the goal gaping.

Francisco Fernandes came on for Thoi in the closing stages as Manang tried hard to pull one back. They went extremely close in the 88th minute courtesy Rijal’s acrobatic overhead kick, only for Karanjit to paw it away brilliantly.

Chennaiyin saw out the remainder of the game to notch their first ever AFC Cup victory in the group stages. They welcome Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka in their next encounter on Tuesday 30th April at The Arena Stadium with kick-off at 7:30 PM.

(Chennaiyin FC Media)

Keep Reading
By

Goa overcome Chennaiyin to clinch 2019 Hero Super Cup title

By

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: FC Goa emerged as champions of the 2019 Hero Super Cup after they beat Chennaiyin 2-1 in a tense affair at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Despite Goa being billed as the favourites to take home the crown, it was Chennaiyin, who started the game as the better of the two sides. Rafael Augusto, Anirudh Thapa and Dhanpal Ganesh controlled proceedings from midfield. As the game crossed the 20-minute mark, Chennaiyin started imposing bundles of pressure on the Goa defence. They would create three consecutive chances in a space of three minutes but could not make any of them count. The first would fall to Augusto, who’s effort from Thapa’s cutback was brilliantly blocked by Mourtada Fall, denying an almost certain goal.

From the resulting corner, defender Eli Sabia had a chance to break the deadlock but his fierce near-post shot was well saved by Mohammad Nawaz in goal. The young goalkeeper was given no respite as he had to prove his fine shot-stopping abilities when Ganesh’s header seemed destined for the far post. Given the constant onslaught of pressure, fans in the stadium were left bemused that Chennaiyin had not put themselves in the lead yet.

Slowly but steadily, Goa started gaining a foothold in the game and could have scored themselves if not for some questionable finishing from Jackichand Singh. The winger only managed to sky his effort after some clever work from Hugo Boumous down the wing. In the end, both sides went into the break without finding the back of the net.

However, that would change from the outset of the second half, as Goa drew first blood through their mercurial forward Corominas. After Thapa cheaply gave the ball away near the halfway line, Boumous drove towards Chenaiyin’s goal, before forcing Karanjit to make a save. However, the rebound fell perfectly to the Spaniard, who had the simple task of tapping the ball home.

Just as it seemed that Goa would run away with the tie, Chennaiyin were back level. Raphael Augusto pounced on a loose ball just outside the box, firing a shot which took a massive deflection to deceive Nawaz.

However, the Gaurs didn’t let the goal deter them as they would soon find themselves back in the lead. Corominas was once again at the heart of the action as he picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and released Brandon with a perfectly weighted through-ball. The small-statured winger was quick on his feet as he beat Mailson Alves and Karanjit to slide the ball home – a truly remarkable goal.

As the match reached its final quarter, Goa could have sealed the tie when Boumous once again let Jackichand through. The winger had only Karanjit to beat but could not make the most of it. The rebound fell to Corominas, who was brought down inside the box. However, the referee waved away Goa’s claims of a penalty, instead pointing towards a goal-kick for Chennaiyin. Nevertheless, that would prove to be inconsequential as Goa held on till the final whistle to claim their first-ever Hero Super Cup trophy.

At the post-match press conference, the FC Goa head coach, Sergio Lobera was accompanied by striker Ferran Corominas. The boss went first and explained how his team deserved to win the title after such a successful season. “We could have won two trophies this season. But we won the admiration of all the people in India and that is really big. I think we were tactically better. We could and should have scored the third goal. Not doing that made it a little tough for us in the end,” he said.

“This is all because of our players. They have been great. If you look back, the history suggests we deserved a trophy for a long time now. I think we have got the acclaim from all people. We will now look to build on that. We will look to strengthen last season and look to do what is left next season,” he added.

The ecstatic Corominas echoed his manager’s claims and said, “I’m feeling really emotional right now. Behind this day is lots of hard work from all at the club and our families. I am feeling like I am about to cry. Playing with quality players like Edu (Bedia) makes my job easier. But at the end of the day as coach said, it is the team as a whole whose performance needs to be lauded.”

From Chennaiyin’s end, head coach, John Gregory expressed his thoughts on the match. He said, “My team gave everything. We are disappointed that we didn’t manage to win the game. I thought the first half, we played well and had good opportunities to score. But we didn’t take them. It is our fourth game in 10 days. I think it was pretty evident in the last 15 minutes or so that we had some really tired bodies on the field.”

“Congratulations to Goa. They are a team that just missed out on the Hero ISL, but they managed to get themselves a trophy. Sergio is not only a good coach but he also a good human being as well. We offer our congratulations to him, his staff and his players,” he added.

(Super Cup Media)

Keep Reading
By
2nd Division League

Hero 2nd Division League final round to kick off on April 27

By

Nwe Delhi: The final stage of the Hero 2nd Division League will get underway on April 27, 2019 and will consist of a total of four teams – Lonestar Kashmir FC, Ozone FC, TRAU FC and Chhinga Veng FC, who will face off against each other in a home-and-away round-robin format.

The quartet made it to the last round after making it past a highly competitive qualifying round. Lonestar FC made it out of Group A, finishing third behind Bengaluru FC and FC Goa Reserves in a five-team group, picking up 11 points in eight games.

Ozone FC come into the finals after an unbeaten campaign in Group B, winning six and drawing two of their eight games as their 20-point tally was seven more than second-placed Fateh Hyderabad AFC.

Group C featured a total of six teams and offered two qualifying spots, which were taken by Chhinga Veng FC of Aizawl and TRAU FC, which hails from Imphal. It was the Mizo side that finished on top of the table with 20 points in 10 games while TRAU secured second place on the last day of the competition, with a dramatic 3-2 win away to Chhinga Veng.

“We are looking forward to the final round to start,” said Ishaq Ahmed, the Technical Director at Lonestar Kashmir FC. “Most of our results in the qualifying campaign were good. We had some of our matches shifted as well but the team showed great spirit and made it to the finals. Now, we aim to give our 100% and take each match as it comes.”

The first round of fixtures will see Ozone FC host Lonestar Kashmir at the Bangalore Football Stadium while Chhinga Veng FC will take on TRAU FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Imphal. Both matches will be held on April 27.

(I-League Media)

Keep Reading
By
AFC Cup

Chennaiyin, Minerva Punjab share the spoils in AFC Cup group stage opener

By

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Chennaiyin FC drew 0-0 with Minerva Punjab in an all-Indian 2019 AFC Cup group stage opener at The Arena Stadium here today. This was both club’s maiden appearance in the group stages of the continental competition. It was also Chennaiyin’s fourth successive clean sheets in all competitions, in what was an intense encounter.

Head Coach John Gregory made three changes to the CFC starting eleven that beat Mumbai City FC 2-0 in the Hero Super Cup encounter last week. Anirudh Thapa, Isaac Vanmalsawma and Gregory Nelson made way as Thoi Singh, Halicharan Narzary and Raphael Augusto started. Dhanpal Ganesh and Jerry Lalrinzuala began a second successive game from the bench, on their return from injury. For Minerva, all three of their new signings – forward Samuel Lalmuanpuia and defenders Kareem Nurain and Robert Primus started from the outset.

After a slow opening few minutes, Chennaiyin grew into the match with a succession of quick chances. The first fell to Jeje Lalpekhlua in the Minerva box, but the striker’s shot deflected out for a corner. The resulting set-piece saw CFC’s Brazilian center-back Eli Sabia head it wayward.

A minute later, CK Vineeth outmuscled Minerva skipper Mahmoud Al-Amna in the middle of the park and freed Thoi Singh on the right flank. The Manipuri winger found Jeje in the box, who laid it up for Raphael Augusto, whose shot went above the crossbar.

Minerva then tested CFC keeper Karanjit Singh from distance in the 25th minute. Ghanaian midfielder Kalif Alhassan’s shot was parried away by the custodian. Few minutes later, Samuel stung Karanjit’s gloves with another shot from distance after the ball fell to him from a CFC clearance. From the corner, Alhassan’s header hit the upright and went out for a goal-kick.

It became a tighter affair as the half progressed. Both sides continued to create inroads but the play in the final third lacked precision as it remained goalless at the break.

Minerva made a change soon after the restart, with Moinuddin replacing Prabhjot Singh. And Chennaiyin brought on Anirudh Thapa for Halicharan. Thapa coming up against his former side, having played for Minerva in the 2016-17 I-League season on loan from CFC.

The first big chance of the second period fell CFC’s way on the hour mark when Thoi’s header from a Tondonba cross went agonizingly wide of the far post.

Minerva then made their second change with a quarter of the game to go, when Makan Chothe was replaced by Akash Sangwan into the final quarter of the game. Chennaiyin had a sustained spell of pressure in the ensuing minutes over their opponents. Vineeth had couple of shots from distance but to no avail. Soon after, Thapa led a break for CFC and spread the ball wide to Thoi, who charged into the box and fired in a low cross that was headed away well by Kareem.

CFC made their second change of the evening when midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh came on for Thoi. The local Chennai man continuing making his second appearance of the season on his comeback from injury. Minerva made their final change soon after when Thoiba Singh replaced Samuel.

Thapa put in an energetic cameo performance, leading the charge for CFC in the final third. Chennaiyin continued to knock on the Minerva door in the closing minutes with Thapa central to their cause, but the visitors held on as their maiden AFC Cup group stage ended in a goalless stalemate. In the group’s other game earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka beat Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi 1-0 away from home.

(Chennaiyin FC Media)

Keep Reading
By
Indian Super League

Bheke the hero as Bengaluru are new ISL champions

By

Mumbai, Maharashtra: A vociferous crowd stood witness as Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 1-0 after 120 minutes of intense football to be crowned the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League champions at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Sunday.

After no goals separated the teams at the end of normal time, Rahul Bheke (118’) headed home a corner to exorcise Bengaluru’s demons from last year’s final as they lifted the coveted trophy for the first time.

FC Goa were left to rue the red card Ahmed Jahouh picked up in the first half of extra-time as their wait for a first-ever ISL title continued.

Bengaluru came well prepared and threatened the Goa defence as early as the sixth minute. Nishu Kumar and Sunil Chhetri combined well on the left flank before the latter found Miku at the edge of the box. The Venezuelan striker shimmied his way past a crowd of defenders inside the box but a loose touch at the end of his spectacular solo run allowed goalkeeper Naveen Kumar to get to the ball.

Minutes later, Jahouh picked out Jackichand Singh’s run down the right flank with a delightful diagonal as Goa countered from their own half. The Indian wingers delivered a brilliant cross to the far post where an onrushing Ferran Corominas skied his volley wide.

Bengaluru had the better of the early exchanges as the trio of Miku, Chhetri and Udanta Singh found joy in the attacking third.

But Goa were dealt a blow before the break as Mandar Rao Dessai, in an attempt to get to a through-ball by Edu Bedia, succumbed to a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by young Saviour Gama at left-back.

After a sluggish start to the second half, FC Goa slowly took control of the game and started to boss possession.

They created chances at will and one such move saw Jackichand’s effort from a tight angle go straight into the gloves of Gurpreet Singh.

A few minutes later, Jackichand found Jahouh at the edge of the box. The Moroccan midfielder’s first-time shot, however, was saved by Gurpreet in goal. Cuadrat responded to Goa’s growing influence by making an attacking change as Luisma replaced Alejandro Barrera.

The Blues went ever so close in the 81st minute when Chhetri’s layoff inside the box was cleverly heeled into the path of Miku by Xisco Hernandez. The striker, with just the goalkeeper to beat, curled his strike onto the bar before seeing another strike blocked by Mourtada Fall in injury time.

The tempo slowed down as the game moved onto extra-time with both teams unwilling to take risks going forward. Bengaluru did, however, get their first shot on target when Xisco found space and time on the ball to hit a piledriver from outside the box.

Goa were reduced to 10 men in the 105th minute when Ahmed Jahouh retaliated to a challenge by Miku. The midfielder picked up a second yellow and had to take the lonely walk back.

That turned out to be a game-changer as Bengaluru assumed control of the game. And they got the precious goal they were looking for in the 116th minute. Dimas delivered a corner-kick into the box for Bheke who produced a spectacular looping header that Naveen Kumar could only push on to the post and inside the goal as the Bengaluru faithful went into delirium.

The Blues stood firm to prevent a 10-man Goa from snatching a late equaliser and clinched their first Hero ISL trophy.

(ISL Media)

Keep Reading
By

Chennaiyin FC ride on Jeje Lalpekhlua strike to secure 2019 AFC Cup group stage spot

By

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A solitary second half goal by Mizo striker Jeje Lalpekhlua helped Chennaiyin FC beat Colombo FC in the 2019 AFC Cup qualifying playoff 2nd leg at The Arena Stadium here today. With the win, Chennaiyin FC became the first Indian Super League outfit to progress to the group stages of the AFC Cup in their debut campaign. Jeje thus also became Chennaiyin’s first ever goal-scorer in the AFC Cup.

Chennaiyin will now be grouped along with South Asian clubs Minerva Punjab FC (India), Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club and Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka in Group E of the 2019 AFC Cup.

Australian Chris Herd returned from illness to start in midfield as Germanpreet Singh dropped to the bench. Thoi Singh and CK Vineeth also came into the starting lineup as Anirudh Thapa and Francisco Fernandes made way.

Chennaiyin got off to a lively start in what was a must-win encounter against the Sri Lankan side, winning a couple of corners in the opening minutes. Colombo found it difficult to get out of their own half as chants from the traveling Chennaiyin faithful filled the air.

A couple of aggressive tackles from both sides were deemed dangerous by the referee as Chalana Chameera and Chris Herd went into the book.

Chennaiyin’s first big chance came in the 14th minute on the break. CK Vineeth sprang clear in the Colombo half and freed Thoi on the right. The onrushing Isaac Vanmalsawma at the far post failed to connect with the resulting cross from the Manipuri winger.

With a quarter of the match gone, Colombo had a rare foray into the Chennaiyin box. The visitors’ midfielder Isaac Addevu had his shot from inside the box saved by Karanjit Singh in the Chennaiyin goal.

The referee then adjudged Chennaiyin right-back Laldinliana Renthlei to have played a back-pass to keeper Karanjit on the half-hour mark. The resulting indirect free-kick from Colombo was deflected out for a corner as Chennaiyin saw off a spell of pressure from the visitors.

The incisive pass in the final touch continued to elude Chennaiyin as the half drew to a close. Raphael’s chipped through ball for Jeje in the box was knocked down by the Mizo man for Thoi, the pass just a yard ahead of the latter as Colombo managed to clear.

It was a stop-start resumption to the second half, which suddenly sprang to life in the 52nd minute. It was Vineeth again leading the charge on the break, who used Thoi’s outlet on the right. Vineeth then ran into the box and failed to connect with the latter’s cross from six yards out with just the keeper to beat.

Chennaiyin continued to knock hard on the Colombo door in search of the elusive goal. Thoi was at it yet again on the right, this time dribbling into the box before his looped cross was cleared from close range. A minute later Thoi found Vineeth in the box, the forward taking a touch before firing just over the bar.

Colombo made the first change of the night as defender Afeel Mohamed made way for Mohamed Siraj.

Vineeth then had a huge chance to score with the hour mark gone. A cut-back from Raphael from the left fell kindly to the Kerala striker in the box, who took a touch and shot straight at the Colombo keeper, who managed to parry it away.

Midfielder Anirudh Thapa then came on for Thoi Singh as Chennaiyin continued to dominate.

The goal finally came in the 68th minute, courtesy a clipped ball into the box by left-back Tondonba Singh. The ball ricocheted off a Colombo defender and fell for Jeje Lalpekhlua, whose left-footed strike hit the back of the net.

Jeje is the senior-most and only Chennaiyin player to have been with the club in all five of years of its existence. He fittingly became the scorer of the club’s first ever goal in the AFC Cup.

Karanjit then made two quickfire saves to keep Colombo out, immediately after the opening goal. Chennaiyin dominated in the closing stages as Germanpreet Singh replaced CK Vineeth, but were unable to add to their tally as the game finished 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

(Chennaiyin FC Media)

Keep Reading
By