Jeje helps Chennaiyin down Colombo
AHMEDABAD:JEJE Lalpekhlua had not done much this season, scoring just one goal in the Indian Super League (ISL), and was not that effective throughout Wednesday as well.
But in the crucial moment of the match he was alert, his poaching instincts kicking in as he pounced on a defensive lapse to score the all-important goal of Chennaiyin FC’S season.
Jeje’s goal sealed a 1-0 win for Chennaiyin over Colombo FC, securing their entry into the AFC Cup group stages.
Chennaiyin dominated the tie, taking majority of the possession, coming up trumps in one-on-one situations and staying solid at the back. But what they lacked was accuracy in front of goal.
The defining moment came in the 68th minute when a looping pass from substitute Anirudh Thapa was headed straight into the path of Jeje by Colombo centre-back Chalana Chameera and Jeje did no wrong as he wrapped his foot around it to give Chennaiyin the lead.
Till that point, and even afterwards, Jeje was either out of position or hit shots wide while spraying passes out of range.
It was a comprehensive performance from Chennaiyin who have struggled this season and this match was seen as one that could heal their wounds and keep their season alive.
Barring the lack of goals, which they could have had more of had they not fluffed their chances, it was one of their best performances of the season. From Mailson and Eli Filho at the back to Raphael Augusto anchoring them in midfield, it was an allround team effort.
When Colombo’s forward thrusts looked promising, which were few, and they managed to get past the Chennaiyin defenders, custodian Karanjit Singh was alert, showing quick reflexes to thwart them.
Chris Herd, bought mid-season to add steel to midfield, once again proved his worth by covering up well to make sure Colombo didn’t build any momentum throughout the match.
Jeje was happy with his and the team’s performance.
“This season has been really hard. We kept pushing ourselves but this hasn’t been our season. We got so many opportunities but we didn’t convert in the first half but we got the goal in the second. This is one of the most important games I played in our club history. This will help me in the upcoming games and also boost our confidence,” said Jeje.
Chennaiyin FC will be placed in Group E with last year’s I-league champions Minerva Punjab, along with Bangladesh outfit Dhaka Abahani and Manang Marshyangdi Club from Nepal.