Chennaiyin FC hosted Punjab FC in an early kick-off at the Marina Arena, with the Shers seeking for a win to turn things around and keep their playoff chances alive. Marina Machans, on the other hand, were hoping to win consecutive games for the first time this season. Owen Coyle’s team won in the end, as Chima’s goal was the difference between the two teams. From Wilmar’s penalty to Punjab’s squandered opportunities, let’s look at the game’s important moments.
Owen Coyle made two changes to the team that defeated East Bengal 3-0 in their most recent match. Ryan Edwards took Dinpuia’s spot in defense, and Kiyan Nassiri took Lukas Brambilla’s place in attack. Panagiotis was forced to deploy an all-Indian defense since Ivan Novoselec was suspended. Four foreign players—Filip, Vidal, Suljic, and Giakoumakis—started in the attack for Punjab.
Chennaiyin got their first chance of the game about six minutes in when Nawaz’s kick was expertly received by Shields, who made a wonderful run forward, but his effort went wide of the goal. Kiyan received the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Sujlic. The visitors had an opportunity in the 14th minute when Giakoumakis delivered a lovely through ball to an unmarked Filip Mrzljak, but Nawaz easily stopped the close-range attempt.
Chennaiyin FC grabbed the lead in the 19th minute as Wilmar Jordan scored from the penalty spot. Melroy Assisi was the one who handed away the penalty after Jordan’s header hit his extended arm. Marina Machans had the opportunity to increase their advantage shortly after the first half drinks break, courtesy of Shields’ free kick. However, the Scotsman’s delivery to Jordan was headed straight to Ravi Kumar.
When Hnamte lost possession in a critical position, Punjab had a fantastic chance to regain one. Mrzljak’s effort, however, was feeble and resulted in a goal kick. Panagiotis made two substitutions around the 38-minute mark, replacing the injured Mrzljak with Luka Majcen and bringing in Suhail for Ashis Pradan.
Jiteshowor received a yellow card for taking down Giakoumakis. With a risky cross towards the six-yard box, Suhail had an immediate impact, but Elsinho did just enough to get ahead of Giakoumakis and push the ball for a corner. Before halftime, Irfan had two excellent chances, but Ravi Kumar in the Punjab goal stopped both of them.
Coming into the second half, Owen Coyle replaced Kiyan Nassiri with Farukh. Luka Majcen immediately equalised to tie the score, almost bringing back memories of the reverse fixture. Sujlic and Vidal combined brilliantly to set up the goal, which Majcen finished. Suhail had four excellent chances to put the Shers ahead by playing some risky crosses into the box, but Majcen and Sujlic missed them at the far post.
Both managers made a few changes, bringing in players such as Jitendra and Pramveer for their respective teams. Punjab looked extremely threatening in every attack, with the front five of Vidal, Sujlic, Suhail, Majcen, and Giakoumakis winning every duel in the opposing half. Coyle made an aggressive move in the hopes of securing all three points, replacing Hnamte and Ryan with Lukas and Ankit, respectively.
Daniel Chima Chukwu came on as a substitute for Wimar Jordan for the last quarter and had an immediate effect. The Nigerian striker gave Marina Machans the lead by tapping in Lukas Brambilla’s stunning left-footed cross into the six-yard box. Chima just managed to beat Abhishek at the far post and put the ball in the net. Brambilla was just incredible to see, taking defenders on and making some dangerous passes.
At the end of the second half, six more minutes were added. Punjab had two fantastic chances in stoppage time through Majcen and Vidal, but Nawaz stayed firm and made some fantastic stops. Punjab had another chance as the ball ricocheted and landed to Vidal in a dangerous position, but his effort was heroically denied by Irfan Yadwad. As the referee sounded the final whistle, the Marina Machans had won two games in a row for the first time this season.
Panagiotis Dilmperis would be frustrated with the result as his side despite putting up a good fight, couldn’t win any point. This was not the first such occurrence as it has been the case for his side throughout the season. Owen Coyle would be delighted to get the second win of the season at home as they look to finish the season strong.
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