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ATK edge past Chennaiyin FC in hard-fought battle

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Chennaiyin FC’s poor start to their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) campaign continued as they succumbed to a solitary goal against ATK at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, ATK took the lead in the 48th minute through David Williams, scoring the ISL’s 1000th goal in the process. The visitors proceeded to hold on to their advantage and inflict a second defeat on Chennaiyin, who are yet to score this season.

The result sees ATK join Jamshedpur FC at the top of the table with six points from three games, while Chennaiyin remain eighth with just a point.

Though the teams started with intent, it was the home team who had the best of the chances in the opening period. Edwin Vanspaul found Nerijus Valskis with a cross in the third minute, only for the Lithuanian striker to head it over.

A deflection five minutes later sent Lallianzuala Chhangte in space down the left. His ball across the face of goal, however, could not be turned in by his teammates

Chennaiyin continued to fashion chances but ATK had some of their own. Michael Soosairaj took matters into his own hands with a surging run and found David Williams in space. Javier Hernandez was able to get a shot away from Williams’ cutback but saw it blocked by defender Lucian Goian.

Just past the half an hour mark, Roy Krishna found himself in space just outside the area and unleashed a rasping drive which was blocked by Goian again.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the visitors drew first blood three minutes after the restart with Prabir Das doing exceptionally well to get behind the defence down the right flank before finding Hernandez. The Spaniard’s shot was deflected into the path of Williams who slotted it in to stun the home team.

As expected, Chennaiyin mounted a fightback with coach John Gregory throwing on Andre Schembri in place of Dragos. Around the hour mark, Edwin unleashed a powerful drive from distance that had Arindam Bhattacharya scrambling. A minute later, good interplay between Chhangte and Rafael saw the latter get to the byline and slide a ball across but nobody in a blue shirt could get a decisive touch.

Shortly afterwards, ATK were forced to tweak their game plan after Soosairaj went down with an injury and coach Antonio Habas responded by sending in Jayesh Rane.

Chances continued to stream in for Chennaiyin but they let themselves down with their finishing. In the 72nd minute, a good bit of play between Thapa and Schembri saw the latter find space to shoot but he dragged his effort wide. A minute later, Rafael’s cross was deflected goalward by Pritam Kotal but Arindam got down smartly to save.

The Marina Machans continued to pile the pressure on a rock-solid ATK in a bid to find an equaliser. But they were frustrated by a well-drilled defence as ATK returned home with three points.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Chennaiyin, Mumbai play out entertaining draw on Diwali evening

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Though the score remain unchanged throughout, Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City played out an entertaining draw in a Hero Indian Super League clash here at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Diwali evening.

Festive spirits were not dampened despite the game lacking goals. Both teams created a host of chances in an intense encounter. However, poor finishing meant that the teams had to share honours in the Marina Arena.

The result sees Chennaiyin FC get their first point of the season on board while Mumbai City join NorthEast United at the top of the table with four points from two games.

Chennaiyin could have stormed into the lead within 30 seconds when Rafael Crivellaro fed Andre Schembri through on goal. But the Maltese striker could only toe the ball forward on the stretch which was blocked by Mumbai City goalkeeper Amrinder. The rebound fell for Rafael who saw his effort miraculously palmed over Amrinder’s outstretched arm.

The home team looked full of attacking intent in that opening period, with Rafael pulling the strings. The Brazilian did exceedingly well to hold on to the ball in the 11th minute down the left wing, before rolling his marker and unleashing a vicious shot that flew just over.

Minutes later, a poor defensive header from Souvik Chakrabarti saw Lallianzuala Chhangte race through on goal but his tame effort was blocked by Amrinder and Rafael, who was following up, shot wide.

Mumbai City, who were struggling to put together moves, were dealt a blow in the 24th minute when Modou Sougou went off injured with Serge Kevyn replacing him.

However, Mumbai started to grow into the game soon after and Amine Chermiti had two good chances to score. First, he lobbed over after a disastrous backpass from Edwin Vanspaul before heading a Raynier Fernandes cross over from point-blank range in the 27th minute.

Just past the half-hour mark, Kevyn was sent through on goal by Rowllin Borges but the substitute shot wide as Mumbai started to exert themselves.

The Islanders finished the half well but found themselves under pressure at the restart as Chennaiyin showed some urgency. Several chances were created but the goal remained elusive.

In a bid to gain more control, Mumbai City head coach Jorge Costa brought in Portuguese midfielder Paulo Machado for Raynier Fernandes. The substitute almost had an impact when his pass found Kevyn in space down the left but his first-time shot was tipped away by Chennaiyin custodian Vishal Kaith.

John Gregory’s side had to change their plans after Rafael went down injured after a tough challenge from Souvik, which forced the Englishman to bring on Masih Saighani.

After a bit of a lull, Chennaiyin started to pile the pressure and almost got a break in the 80th minute. A good passing move saw Anirudh Thapa play in Nerijus Valskis just inside the penalty box but the lanky forward’s shot went wide.

The home team continued to threaten on the counter but a combination of poor decision-making from them and last-gasp defending by Mumbai City kept the scores level.

Though Mumbai City were reduced to 10 men in injury time after Souvik was sent off for a cynical foul on Thoi Singh, Chennaiyin could not force a winner.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Goa on song in opener against Chennaiyin FC

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Margao, Goa: FC Goa struck the right chords on the field to ease past Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in their first game of the Hero Indian Super League 2019-20 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

The ISL runners-up were a step ahead of their opponents in all areas of the field and were the better team overall. New signing Seiminlen Doungel scored on his debut to break the deadlock in the 30th minute. All-time ISL top-scorer Ferran Corominas struck in the 62nd minute and substitute Carlos Pena added a third in the 81st minute to consign an unimpressive Chennaiyin to a defeat.

The hosts were quick to get on the ball and spray passes around right from the start. However, it were the visitors who first went close when Dragos Firtulescu was fed through on goal in the 12th minute. A last-ditch Seriton Fernandes challenge prevented a catastrophic start for the hosts.

Sergio Lobera’s men soon regained their rhythm to pose a serious threat to the Chennaiyin defence. In the 19th minute, Ferran Corominas picked up the ball from midfield and released Seiminlen Doungel into the box. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was on to the ball in a flash before Goa’s new signing could pounce and take a shot. A minute later, Manvir Singh attempted a powerful strike after making room for himself at the edge of the box and once again, Kaith was up to the task, pulling off a diving save to his left.

Goa’s intent in the attacking third was rewarded at the half an hour mark. Manvir Singh beat his marker and crossed into the box from the right flank. The striker’s cross took a double deflection off Eli Sabia and Doungel before rolling into the net.

The hosts remained on top of the game and refused to sit back after taking the lead. Brandon Fernandes’ piledriver just before half-time had Vishal Kaith well beaten but the ball flew just wide. Ferran Corominas’s curling effort a minute later was tipped away by an acrobatic Kaith who kept Chennaiyin in the game.

John Gregory replaced Dhanpal Ganesh with the more creative Anirudh Thapa in midfield to swing the contest back in his team’s favour. The hosts, however, proved difficult to break down.

Goa continued to create chances and soon doubled their lead. Manvir Singh broke away through the middle and found Jackichand Singh in space to his right. The winger’s low cross into the center of the box was guided into the net in by ISL’s all-time top scorer Ferran Corominas who scored his 35th league goal.

Chennaiyin struggled in the attacking third and were unable to find a way back into the game. Lallianzuala Chhangte did have a chance to pull one back when he tried to curl the ball into the top right corner from the edge of the box, but Mohammed Nawaz produced a brilliant save to preserve Goa’s clean sheet.

FC Goa added a third in the 81st minute and sealed the win when a Brandon free-kick from the left was poked into the net by Carlos Pena at the near post.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Chennaiyin FC complete signing of goalkeeper Vishal Kaith

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Chennaiyin FC can today confirm the signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who has put pen to paper on a long-term permanent deal with the club. Kaith joins the two-time Indian Super League champions from Hyderabad FC for an undisclosed fee, after spending the previous three seasons at FC Pune City.

“A new chapter awaits in my career, with a champion club in Chennaiyin FC. Their rich history in the ISL made it a very easy decision for me to come here when the opportunity presented itself. I am looking forward to helping the club win more trophies in the years to come. I believe in the coach’s (John Gregory’s) plans and I am certain Chennaiyin is the right destination for me to take my game and career to the next level,” said a determined Kaith, who is currently in Goa with the Indian senior team ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“In Vishal (Kaith), we’re adding a top modern-day goalkeeper to our ranks. He possesses all the qualities and potential to excel at the highest level. With his natural ability and quick reflexes, I am certain Vishal (Kaith) will provide healthy competition in our goalkeeping department as we collectively work towards achieving success in the coming campaign,” said Head Coach John Gregory on the club’s latest arrival.

Kaith, who hails from Rohru town in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, was initially spotted by the state-level football setup. He was then nurtured by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy from 2011 to 2014. The 6’2 goalkeeper later joined I-League outfit Shillong Lajong and played there for three subsequent seasons, making a name for himself as a budding young custodian. During his Lajong tenure, he also had a loan spell at FC Pune City for the 2016 ISL campaign.

Kaith subsequently made his move to Pune permanent, and was instrumental in FCPC reaching the 2017-18 ISL semis, contributing with seven clean sheets in 17 appearances that season.

Kaith has progressed through the youth ranks and represented India at the U-16, U-19 and U-23 levels, also recently receiving call-ups to the senior national team squad. At the 2018 SAFF Championships in which the India U-23s finished runners-up, he kept clean sheets against Sri Lanka and Maldives in the group games.

CFC’s eighth summer signing will join the squad in Ahmedabad for pre-season following his duties with the Indian national team.

(CFC Media)

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Indian Super League

Chennaiyin FC complete swoop for India winger Lallianzuala Chhangte

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Chennaiyin FC are delighted to announce the arrival of 22-year-old winger Lallianzuala Chhangte on a permanent deal. The current India international put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the club, after a two-year spell with Delhi Dynamos FC and a recent trial with Norwegian top-flight club Viking FK.

“Chennaiyin FC are one of the biggest clubs in India with a rich history in the Indian Super League. I am elated to join them as they celebrate the completion of five glorious years. It is my ambition to add to their success and achieve a lot in the seasons to come. Personally too, I feel Chennaiyin is the right destination for me to further my development. The coach (John Gregory) has shown a lot of trust in me. I am keen to repay that and help the club get back to its rightful place at the top,” said an excited Chhangte from Goa, where he is currently with the India senior team, preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Qatar.

“In (Lallianzuala) Chhangte, we are adding one of India’s brightest talents to our ranks. Along with his electric pace and fearless approach, he has the hunger to succeed and develop further. We’ve all seen the potential he possesses and what he’s capable of. His involvement and progression with the national team also says a lot about his pedigree. We are now really excited to see him perform in the Chennaiyin blue,” said Head Coach John Gregory as the club gears up for pre-season ahead of the all-important 2019-20 ISL campaign that kicks off on October 23, with a trip to FC Goa.

Hailing from the town of Lunglei in Mizoram, Chhangte’s star began shining brightly when he was picked by the DSK Shivajians Liverpool International Football Academy in 2014. He impressed in the 2014-15 U-19 I-League, where he top-scored with 16 goals, as he also went on to train briefly at the Liverpool youth academy in England. The Mizo speedster subsequently represented the India U-19 and U-23 sides, with a loan spell at ISL side NorthEast United FC during the 2016 campaign. Chhangte was then drafted in by Delhi Dynamos, where he played in the previous two ISL seasons and registered eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances.

Nicknamed Zuala, the young winger made his senior India debut in December 2015 in the SAFF Championships. Only 18 at the time, he scored twice against Nepal in his second appearance, which made him the then third youngest goal-scorer for the country. With 11 senior international appearances and four goals under his belt so far, Chhangte gained more experience and exposure through a trial with Norwegian top-flight outfit Viking FK in the off-season recently.

“It has been a pleasure having Zuala (Chhangte) training with our squad. He is determined, willing to learn and hard-working – truly a professional footballer. In combination with his friendly and polite nature, it makes him a welcomed member of any squad. He should play at the highest level possible and continue his efforts with the Indian national team,” said Viking FK’s CEO Eirik W. Henningsen, about Chhangte in a club statement.

Chhangte, who will don the No. 7 jersey, will join up with the rest of the CFC squad in Ahmedabad later in September, following his national team involvement in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Qatar, scheduled for September 5 and September 10 respectively.

(CFC Media)

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Indian Super League

Chennaiyin FC sign Romanian winger Dragos Firtulescu

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Chennaiyin FC are delighted to announce the signing of 30-year-old Romanian winger Dragos Firtulescu on a free transfer for the duration of the 2019-20 season. Dragos last featured for Bulgarian top tier side FC Dunav 2010 Ruse.

“I am very happy to sign with the two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC. I wish to taste success with the club and create lasting memories in my time here. I will work hard and prove that I am worthy of wearing the colours of this wonderful club. I have confidence in the Head Coach’s (John Gregory) plans, and I wish to repay the faith bestowed in me with my performances on the pitch. It feels great to be a part of the Chennaiyin family,” shared an excited Dragos in a phone conversation with the club.

Head Coach John Gregory spoke highly of the club’s latest signing. “Dragos adds a lot of depth in an attacking context for us. He brings plenty of energy, enthusiasm and experience to the table. His attitude is extremely positive, and I am certain he will prove a valuable addition to our squad even off the field. He has all the makings of becoming a fan favourite, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see him and the rest of the boys on the training pitch in pre-season!” shared the CFC gaffer in eager anticipation.

Dragos, who hails from the city of Craiova, becomes the second Romanian to sign for CFC following central defender Lucian Goian. Dragos is well-acquainted with Goian and his family, having also played against him many years back during the latter’s Dinamo Bucharest days. Dragos was an FC Universitatea Craiova player back then, where he began his professional career. The pacey winger went on to play for a host of Romanian clubs including Dinamo Bucharest, along with stints in Cyprus, Hungary and most recently Bulgaria. Chennaiyin will be Dragos’ first club outside Europe.

https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC/status/1165219138479853568

In Dragos’ own words, he was “born with football in his blood” as he grew up idolizing legendary Romanian midfielder Gheorghe Hagi. He began playing football at the age of seven and always wished to be an attacking player. A firm believer in karma, he staunchly affirms it is imperative to give everything to the sport in order to receive everything good in return. Capable of operating on either wings or in attacking midfield, the left-footed Dragos’ primary aim is to help the club lift a third ISL title.

The former Romania youth international, whose name means ‘beloved’ in his native tongue, will be aiming to become just that with the club’s faithful in the coming season. He signed off with a message to the fans, saying “I hope the fans will fill our stadium in great numbers in the coming season. We will give our everything to put on a solid show and give the fans what they deserve. Without them, we simply cannot succeed. With the fans, we are more powerful and hungrier to achieve success.”

(CFC Media)

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