First-timers Mohammedan SC won their first Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match, defeating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here on Thursday night, with Lalremsanga Fanai scoring the game’s only goal.
Chennaiyin FC started the game strongly, putting pressure on Mohammedan SC’s defensive third. The Marina Machans could have taken the lead in the fifth minute when Connor Shields whipped in a corner, which was met by Irfan Yadwad. However, the latter’s header missed the mark by a whisker.
Shields was back in the action in the 13th minute. He made a superb cross into the opposition’s 18-yard area. Padam Chettri, the custodian, reached for it and served it on a plate for Lalrinliana Hnamte, who saw his shot deflected for a corner.
Mohammedan SC had its first positive scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute. Alexis Gomez was able to capitalise on Laldinliana Renthlei’s errant header. The Argentine midfielder got past custodian Samik Mitra only to send the ball into the post.
Chennaiyin FC were ultimately punished six minutes later after P.C Laldinpuia’s mispass was incorrectly judged by custodian Mitra. Mitra was already off his line when Laldinpuia threw the ball to him, and Lalremsanga Fanai easily deposited the loose ball into the net, giving Mohammedan SC the lead.
The second half began with Chennaiyin FC making their way into Mohammedan SC territory. In the 54th minute, Lukas Brambilla delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, but Ryan Edwards failed to connect with his header, causing the ball to go out for a goal kick.
Owen Coyle brought fresh legs in a bid to salvage something from the match, but Andrey Chernyshov’s side were too disciplined at the back to allow anything to slip through. Mirjalol Kasimov attempted a long-range shot in the 89th minute, but a fully stretched Mitra saved the day.
In the 94th minute, Chennaiyin FC had the best chance to equalise. Lukas Brambilla had a clear goal in front of him after receiving Wilmar Jordan Gil’s header. However, Gaurav Bora and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak worked together to clear it from the queue.
Chennaiyin FC will now face Hyderabad FC in an away encounter on October 1. Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC will compete against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Kolkata Derby on October 5.
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