Chennaiyin FC experienced a heart-wrenching 0-1 defeat in their second match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season against Mohammedan SC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. This tightly contested encounter was decided by a solitary goal from Lalremsanga Fanai, who capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 39th minute to secure three crucial points for Mohammedan SC.
The evening began with high expectations as Chennaiyin’s head coach Owen Coyle opted for continuity in his lineup, making just one change from the side that faced Odisha 12 days ago. Ankit Mukherjee was introduced at left-back, while Samik Mitra retained his position between the posts. The attacking responsibilities were shouldered by Daniel Chima Chukwu, flanked by Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad.
Farukh Choudhary, Chennaiyin’s two-goal hero from their previous game, maintained his impressive form. Early in the match, he exhibited remarkable skill on the right wing, which earned his team a corner kick. Moments later, Irfan Yadwad nearly put Chennaiyin ahead, as his glancing header from the corner drew gasps from the home crowd, narrowly missing the goal.
Chennaiyin’s strategy was clear: they frequently attacked down the right-hand side, utilizing Connor Shields’ deliveries into the box. Despite their dominance in possession and attacking intent, it was Mohammedan SC that drew first blood. Against the run of play, Lalremsanga Fanai found the back of the net in the 39th minute, seizing upon a defensive error to put his team in the lead.
With halftime approaching, Chennaiyin FC knew they needed to change their approach. At the start of the second half, coach Owen Coyle introduced Lukas Brambilla to add creativity to the midfield. As the game progressed, Wilmar Jordan, Gurkirat Singh, and debutant Kiyan Nassiri were also brought on in an effort to find an equalizer.
Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper, Samik Mitra, showcased a standout performance throughout the match. He made several crucial saves that kept his team in the hunt. His most remarkable moment came in the 90th minute when he acrobatically tipped a dangerous shot from Mirjalol Kazimov over the crossbar, preventing what seemed like a certain goal.
The dying minutes of the game turned into an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
. Mohammedan SC missed a penalty, providing a lifeline to Chennaiyin. Then, in a dramatic turn of events, Brambilla’s late effort was heroically cleared off the line by Mohammedan’s defense, denying Chennaiyin FC a chance to salvage a point.
Reflecting on the match, coach Owen Coyle acknowledged the team’s resilience but lamented the missed opportunities. “We had our chances, and it’s disappointing not to capitalize on them. The boys fought hard, and we’ll take the positives as we prepare for the next game,” he stated.
The defeat, while narrow, leaves Chennaiyin FC eager to bounce back swiftly. Their next challenge will be an away fixture against Hyderabad FC on Tuesday, where they will aim to rectify their errors and return to winning ways.
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Ultimately, Chennaiyin FC’s pursuit of an equalizer in the latter stages of the match ended in frustration. Despite the relentless effort and determination of the players, the game concluded with Mohammedan SC claiming a narrow 0-1 victory. The fans, though disappointed, showed appreciation for the team’s grit and the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Samik Mitra, whose heroics kept the match within reach until the final whistle.
As the season progresses, the Chennaiyin camp will look to iron out the defensive frailties and conversion issues that have plagued them in this match. The road ahead is challenging, but with the talent at their disposal and the tactical acumen of coach Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin FC remains a formidable contender in the ISL 2024-25 season. The upcoming match against Hyderabad FC offers a perfect platform for the team to regain their stride and make a strong statement in their quest for glory. The supporters will undoubtedly continue to back their team with fervor, hoping for a resurgence in the forthcoming fixtures.
