Lalremsanga Fanai’s opportunistic goal in the 39th minute proved to be the difference-maker as Chennaiyin FC fell to a narrow 0-1 defeat against Mohammedan SC in their second match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The encounter, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, saw both teams battling it out in a hard-fought contest, but a defensive lapse proved costly for the home side.
Lalremsanga capitalized on a chaotic scramble in the Chennaiyin defense to net the evening’s only goal, sending his team into the lead just before halftime. The breakthrough came somewhat against the run of play, with Chennaiyin having demonstrated offensive intent throughout the first half, particularly down the right flank where Farukh Choudhary was a persistent threat.
Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin’s head coach, opted for continuity in his lineup, making just one change from the side that impressed against Odisha twelve days prior. Ankit Mukherjee was introduced at left-back, while Samik Mitra retained his spot between the posts. Up front, Daniel Chima Chukwu spearheaded the attack, ably supported by wingers Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad.
Farukh, who had been a standout performer in the previous match, continued his rich vein of form. His early runs and crosses posed a consistent threat to the Mohammedan defense, and it was his delivery that led to the first major chance of the game—a glancing header from Irfan Yadwad that just missed the target, much to the dismay of the home supporters.
Despite Chennaiyin’s dominance in the early exchanges, it was Mohammedan who seized the initiative, largely due to Lalremsanga’s alertness in front of goal. The visitors’ ability to exploit Chennaiyin’s momentary lapse in concentration paid dividends, giving them a slender lead to defend in the second half.
In response to the setback, Coyle made several tactical adjustments. Lukas Brambilla was introduced at the start of the second period to add a creative spark in the midfield. Later in the half, Wilmar Jordan, Gurkirat Singh, and debutant Kiyan Nassiri were also brought on as Chennaiyin chased an equalizer with renewed vigor.
Chennaiyin’s efforts to level the match saw them mount wave after wave of attacks, but they were thwarted by a resilient Mohammedan defense and an inspired performance from their goalkeeper.
. At the other end, Chennaiyin’s own shot-stopper, Samik Mitra, was equally impressive, making several crucial saves to keep his team in contention. His acrobatic save in the 90th minute from a powerful strike by Mirjalol Kazimov was particularly noteworthy.
As the match headed into its final stages, the excitement reached fever pitch. Mohammedan SC missed a golden opportunity to seal the victory when they failed to convert a penalty, adding to the drama and keeping Chennaiyin’s hopes alive. However, the home side’s desperate attempts to find an equalizer were in vain.
In the dying moments, Lukas Brambilla’s late effort was heroically cleared off the line by the Mohammedan defense, denying Chennaiyin a point they arguably deserved based on their efforts over the ninety minutes.
Following the defeat, Chennaiyin FC will be looking to regroup and shift their focus to their upcoming away fixture against Hyderabad FC on Tuesday. A win in that match will be crucial for Coyle’s men as they aim to get their season back on track and climb the ISL standings.
As always, the ISL continues to deliver thrilling matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Thursday’s encounter was no exception, showcasing the passion and intensity that defines the league. Chennaiyin’s supporters will be hoping their team can bounce back and deliver a stronger performance in their next outing.
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