ISL 2024-25: Mohammedan SC Pick up Maiden Triumph at Chennaiyin FC’s Marina Arena

Newly promoted Mohammedan SC marked their travel to Chennai with a historic first-ever win in the Indian Super League as they edged out the home side 1-0 on Thursday at the Marina Arena.

Lalremsanga Fanai’s lone strike proved to be the difference between the sides as the Kolkata-based side picked up all points on offer in the TN capital city.

Owen Coyle opted to start Samik Mitra in goal against the Kolkata side with Laldinliana Renthlei, Ryan Edwards, PC Laldinpuia and Ankit Mukherjee as the defensive foil. Connor Shields, Elsinho, Lalrinliana Hnamte and Faroukh Choudhary made up the midfield with Daniel Chukwu Chema and Irfan Yadwad made the attacking duo up front.

Andrey Chernyshov fielded Padam Chettri in goal, behind the defensive quartet of Adinga Ralte, Gaurav Bora, Joseph Adjei and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak. Alexis Gomez, Mirjalol Kasimov and Amarjit Singh Kiyam made up the three-man midfield with Makan Chote, Carlos Freires and Lalremsanga Fanai up top.

Chennaiyin started the game off on a positive note venturing forward multiple times, but the visitors held tight at the back to keep the ball from sailing into the net. However, the hoists were awarded a coupe of setpieces from threatening positions, but the eventual deliveries into the ball were cut out by the Mohammedan defence.

Mohammedan nearly took the lead following a defensive blunder as a weak headed effort aimed back at the keeper was woefully misplaced but Gomez, who latched onto the loose ball, rounded the keeper only to hit the woodwork.

However, calamity struck as the Chennaiyin defence erred yet again as confusion between the onrushing keeper and leftwing back presented Fanai with the opportunity to roll the ball into an empty net to give the tourists a lead.

Coyle chose to bring on Lukas Brambilla on for Elsinho as the only HT change in the fixture with Chennai venturing with attacking intent.

Chennai nearly pulled level but for a brave bit of last-ditch defending from the Mohammedan defence.

Coyle sprung for a triple change after 65 minutes of play as Wilmar Jordan, Gurkirat Singh and Kiyan Nassiri were fielded in place of Chukwu, Choudhary and Irfan in a show of clear attacking objective, while Mohammedan withdrew Chote in favour of Bikash Singh.

With a quarter of the game still remaining, Mohammedan nearly found an insurance strike but the ball in from the new man could not be met in the middle by a sliding Fanai.

Gomez demonstrated composure to sidestep a defender inside the box before pulling the trigger but his attempt was straight at the Chennai custodian and the scoreboard remained still.

The man in the middle waved for play to continue after Jordan was brought down inside the box, and Gurkirat went for the spectacular from outside the area, only for his effort to dip beyond the crossbar.

Cesar Manzoki skied a spot kick to put daylight between the sides in second-half stoppage time, before the visitors’ defence proved strong yet again with a goalline clearance on the overturn of play.

Despite the hosts’ repeated attempts to break down the Mohammedan defence, the crowd of just over 9700 spectators most of whom had flocked in to support the Blue, went home without a point from the home game.