Football

Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the 1,000th match of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.The Marina Machans took the lead in the 60th minute through captain Ryan Edwards' header, but their joy was short-lived as Nathan Rodrigues equalized for the Islanders just three minutes later.The match started with both teams looking to attack, with Mumbai City FC having the first chance in the 19th minute when Yoell van Nieff's long-range effort was saved by Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz.A minute later, Tiri came close to giving Mumbai City FC the lead with a header from a corner, but his effort went just wide.Nikolaos Karelis also had a chance for Mumbai City FC in the 30th minute, but his shot was blocked by the Chennaiyin FC defense.The second half started with Chennaiyin FC taking the lead through Edwards' header from a Connor Shields cross.However, Mumbai City FC responded quickly, with Rodrigues heading in a Van Nieff corner in the 63rd minute.Both teams had chances to win the match in the remaining minutes, but neither side could find a winning goal.The draw leaves Chennaiyin FC in fourth place in the ISL standings with 12 points, while Mumbai City FC remains in eighth place with 10 points.

Chennaiyin FC unleashed a goal-scoring onslaught to secure a resounding 5-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League on Monday. The Marina Machans dominated the match from the outset, showcasing their attacking prowess with five different players finding the back of the net.Irfan Yadwad opened the scoring for Chennaiyin in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Jamshedpur. The youngster doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a stunning solo effort, leaving the Jamshedpur defense in his wake. Connor Shields added to the tally two minutes later, hammering home a left-footed strike after a clever one-two with Yadwad.Chennaiyin continued their relentless attack in the second half. Wilmar Jordan Gil extended their lead in the 54th minute, pouncing on a loose ball and slotting it past Albino Gomes. Lukas Brambilla sealed the victory in the 71st minute with a curling effort that left Gomes stranded.Jamshedpur managed a consolation goal in the 81st minute through Javi Hernandez, who converted a penalty after Yadwad handled the ball in the area. However, it was a mere footnote in an otherwise dominant performance by Chennaiyin.The victory marked Chennaiyin's third of the season, moving them up to sixth place in the standings. Jamshedpur, on the other hand, remained in 10th place with just one win from their first five matches.

Punjab FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-2 in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday (October 31, 2024).Despite conceding an early goal to Jordan Gil, Punjab FC rallied back with three unanswered goals in the second half. Luka Majcen emerged as the hero for the visitors, scoring twice in quick succession to level the match. Asmir Suljic then sealed the victory with a third goal in the 70th minute.The match started with a scrappy opening, but Punjab FC gradually gained control of possession. In the 11th minute, Filip Mrzljak had a chance to put Punjab ahead, but his cross failed to find a teammate.Chennaiyin FC took the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute. Lukas Brambilla's defense-splitting pass found Gil, who made no mistake with his left-footed strike.Punjab FC responded well to the setback and created several chances before the break. Mrzljak's cross found Majcen in the 45th minute, but his shot hit the side netting.The second half was a different story as Punjab FC came out with renewed determination. Majcen equalized for the visitors just a minute after the restart, finishing calmly after being set up by Mrzljak.Two minutes later, Majcen doubled his tally, this time assisted by Khaiminthang Lhungdim. The Slovenian forward was in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range.Punjab FC continued to press for a third goal, and their efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute. Suljic, who had come on as a substitute, scored with a powerful shot from outside the box.Chennaiyin FC pulled one back in the dying minutes through Gil, but it was too little too late. Punjab FC held on for a hard-fought victory that moved them up to fifth place in the ISL standings.

Mohammedan Sporting Club, a storied legacy club with a 133-year history, made its mark in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.The match began with Owen Coyle's Chennaiyin FC showcasing their aerial dominance, but it was Mohammedan who struck first in the 39th minute. A miscommunication between Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra and defender P.C. Laldinpuia allowed Mohammedan midfielder F. Lalremsanga to capitalize on a loose ball and slot it into an open net.Despite making five changes to his attacking lineup, Coyle's efforts to equalize proved futile. Mohammedan's Cesar Manzoki Lobi had a golden opportunity to seal the victory with a penalty in injury time, but his spot-kick went wide.Chennaiyin came alive in the dying minutes, with a shot cleared off the line by Gaurav Bora and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak. However, their inability to fire a shot on target until the 82nd minute ultimately cost them the match.Mohammedan's victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which has long been a force in Indian football. The win also highlights the growing competitiveness of the ISL, where even newly promoted teams can challenge established powerhouses.

Chennaiyin FC Aims for Home Advantage in Indian Super LeagueAs the Indian Super League (ISL) season kicks off, Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has emphasized the importance of home support for his team. With seven of their first 10 matches scheduled away from home, CFC is eager to make a strong impression in front of their passionate fans."The scheduling is what it is. We prepare for the games and we know we can win. We are at home now, one of the few games here in the first 10 for us," Coyle said. "We want to make sure we do our very best here."Last season, Chennaiyin had a difficult start but rallied to qualify for the playoffs. Coyle is aiming for a better beginning this time around. "Hopefully, if we are really strong in the second half like last year, we will be in a really good position. We have to also gather points away from home to capitalize on those run of home games when they come about."Coyle also stressed the importance of building a team that can "do justice" to its loyal fans. "I want to provide a team the fans enjoy watching, and that is (when we) win/lose/draw. Hopefully, we can give them a team that's representative of them."Chennaiyin's home opener against Mohammedan SC on Tuesday will be a crucial test. The team will be looking to establish a winning rhythm and create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the season.

Chennaiyin FC (CFC), the two-time Indian Super League champion, has undergone a significant squad overhaul this season. The team boasts 13 new faces, including several promising young domestic players. Twelve players have departed the club for various reasons.Head coach Owen Coyle, known for his willingness to embrace challenges, is confident in his team's abilities. In his previous two seasons with CFC, he guided the team to the playoffs and even the final in 2019-20. This time, Coyle believes his squad has the depth and talent to make a strong run."We will probably get two players for every position (this time) and we didn’t have that last year, certainly to the strength and depth of the new season. But I think this year we know we have players who can be game-changers. So, it gives us certainly far more competition for places which really is important," Coyle said at a press conference.Coyle expressed his satisfaction with the players' desire to improve, which he sees as a positive sign for the club's performance and potential to win the tournament."We have players who really want to improve, both young and experienced, who want to put their hands up. For example, the experienced Mandar Rao Dessai has a point to prove. He has been a champion. He wants to show his quality again having played for East Bengal last year," Coyle said."So, everybody has got something to play for, and that is what I need. Players who are motivated and hungry, not feeling happy to play games," the 58-year-old Scot added.Chennaiyin will kick off its new season on September 14 against Odisha in Bhubaneswar. The players are aware of the competition within the squad and are eager to prove their worth.

Chennaiyin FC, eager to secure their first victory and maintain their playoff aspirations, will face Jamshedpur FC in a crucial Group D encounter of the Durand Cup 2024 at Jamshedpur's JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday.In their tournament opener, the Marina Machans suffered a narrow defeat to Indian Army FT, conceding a goal late in the first half. Despite their valiant efforts to equalize in the second period, Chennaiyin failed to find the equalizer, leaving them third in the group standings after the first round of matches."As a team, we attacked well in the last game, especially in the second half. We created chances, but we need to capitalize on them and score goals," said assistant coach Noel Wilson. "Until you score, your defense remains under pressure."A victory against Jamshedpur could propel Chennaiyin ahead of their ISL rivals, provided the scoreline and the result from the other game favor them. After three games, the group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals."Both remaining games are crucial for us," Wilson emphasized. "We must win this game against Jamshedpur FC. We face a formidable opponent, but if we work hard as a team and convert our chances, we can turn things around. Winning the next game gives us a chance in the third game.""We have a chance to qualify, but we need to win games. We must work harder and aim for a positive result in the next match," Wilson added.The Durand Cup, currently in its 133rd edition, is Asia's oldest existing football club competition and the fifth oldest in the world.

Chennaiyin FC has extended the contract of Scottish forward Connor Shields until 2025. The 26-year-old joined the Indian Super League (ISL) club from Motherwell FC in 2023.Since his arrival, Shields has made a significant impact on Chennaiyin's attacking prowess. In 27 appearances across all competitions, he has scored five goals and registered four assists. His contributions have been instrumental in the team's recent resurgence.Shields' versatility and technical ability have made him a valuable asset for Chennaiyin. He is known for his exceptional crossing ability, which has created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, his pace and dribbling skills allow him to penetrate opposing defenses with ease.Head coach Owen Coyle has praised Shields' qualities, stating, "He's very highly regarded by his teammates and his qualities really shone through for us. So, it's great news for the club to have him back. He has outstanding ability, and is a fantastic crosser of the ball."Shields himself is thrilled to extend his stay in India. He said, "I'm thrilled to extend my stay. The support from the fans, working with the gaff, and everything that is being done for the upcoming season makes it even more exciting. I look forward to contributing all I have."With Shields' contract extension, Chennaiyin FC has secured the services of a key player for the upcoming ISL season. His experience and attacking prowess will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the championship.

Chennaiyin FC has extended the contract of goalkeeper Samik Mitra, ensuring his services with the club until 2027. Mitra joined Chennaiyin from Indian Arrows in 2020 and has since made 22 appearances for the team across various competitions, showcasing his impressive skills and potential.Head coach Owen Coyle expressed his confidence in Mitra's abilities, stating that he believes the young goalkeeper can continue to grow and develop within the team. "We believe in giving chances to youngsters at the club, and Samik Mitra is someone who has great potential," Coyle said. "He is young, and we have already seen his capabilities in the matches that he has played for the team. It's important that such talented players stay at the club, and I believe that he can continue to grow with the team."Mitra expressed his excitement about the contract extension, acknowledging the club's role in his development. "I'm really excited for another season with Chennaiyin FC," Mitra said. "We qualified for the playoffs this season and want to do even better in the coming year. This club is the right place for me to grow and learn from some of the best coaches and players in the country. I have grown a lot in the last few years and want to continue the upward trajectory in my career."Mitra's contract extension is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the club's commitment to nurturing young talent. With his impressive performances and the support of the team, Mitra is poised to make significant contributions to Chennaiyin FC in the seasons to come.