Chennaiyin ‘Koman’ces season with win
Chennaiyin FC pulled off a hard fought 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.
Hungarian midfielder Vladimir Koman (66’ P) scored from the spot to give Chennaiyin a crucial lead, ultimately sealing all three points, as Hyderabad was left to rue its wastefulness in front of goal. Hyderabad, the designated home team on the night, was dealt a major blow early on with Halicharan Narzary limping off in under 10 minutes.
That did not deter HFC’s resolve to stamp its impression as Edu Garcia’s shot was cleared away in a hurry but Bartholomew Ogbeche could not follow through.
Chennaiyin had goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to thank for keeping the two-time champion in the game. The Himachal Pradesh-born was tested a few times, but emerged unscathed.
Hyderabad was in fact wasteful in the opportunities the brittle Chennaiyin defence gave it. Ogbeche missed more than handy chances, but substitute Nikhil Poojary’s work-rate near the box only gained him new admirers. Kyrgyz Republic forward Mirlan Murzaev gave Chennaiyin a glimmer of hope late in the first half, but his header went off-target from a darting cross in by Reagan Singh.
Chennaiyin carried the momentum post the break as Mirlan and pacy winger 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 for the ball to be tipped off by Laxmikant Kattimani.
New CFC captain Anirudh Thapa then made it count for his side, winning a penalty, as he was brought down by Hitesh Sharma inside the box. Koman stepped up to deliver a smart strike that gave goalkeeper Kattimani no chance, breaking the deadlock with little over 20 minutes to play. Joel Chianese, Javi Siverio, Sahil Tavora and young striker Rohit Danu were introduced by Hyderabad in the 77th minute. However, there wasn’t to be another goal in the tightly-contested game.
Hyderabad FC 0 lost to Chennaiyin FC 1 (V Koman 66 (P)