ISL 2021-22: Chennaiyin FC start campaign with a win

Bambolim, Nov 23 (IANS): Chennaiyin FC pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Tuesday.

Vlagyimir Koman (66′) scored from the spot to give Chennaiyin a crucial lead as Hyderabad FC were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, especially in the first half.

Hyderabad FC were dealt a major blow early on with Halicharan Narzary limping off in under 10 minutes. That did not deter their resolve to stamp their impression as former ATK Mohun Bagan man Edu Garcia’s shot was cleared away in a hurry but Bartholomew Ogbeche could not follow through.

Chennaiyin FC had goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to thank for keeping the former champions in the game. The Himachal Pradesh-born was tested a few times but he emerged unscathed.

Hyderabad FC were in fact wasteful in the opportunities the brittle Chennaiyin defence gave them. Ogbeche missed more than handy chances but substitute Nikhil Poojary’s work rate near the box only gained him, new admirers.

Kyrgyz playmaker Mirlan Murzaev almost gave Chennaiyin FC a glimmer of hope late in the first half, but his header went off-target from a darting cross in by Reagan Singh.

Chennaiyin FC carried over the momentum post the break. Mirlan Murzaev and Lallianzuala Chhangte proved hard to contain. Chhangte arguably had the best chance of the night when he beat Akash Mishra on the run, cut in, and shot hard, only to be tipped off by Kaith.

Chennaiyin FC’s new captain Anirudh Thapa then made it count for his side to win a penalty as he was brought down by Hitesh Sharma inside the box.

Former AS Monaco man Vlagyimir Koman stepped up to deliver a powerful shot that gave goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani no chance, breaking the deadlock with little over 20 minutes to play.

Chennaiyin FC led against the run of play leaving Manolo Marquez to make four changes at a go. Joel Chianese, Javi Siverio, Sahil Tavora, and young striker Rohit Danu were introduced in the 77th minute.

However, there wasn’t to be another goal as Hyderabad will look for answers ahead of their big game against defending champions Mumbai City next.