Chennai: Defending champions Chennaiyin FC’s woes continued in the Indian Super League as they succumbed to their fifth loss of the season, this time a 0-1 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
Chennaiyin chose to the field the same eleven that played against ATK, midfielder Anirudh Thapa still finding a spot despite his mediocre performance in the last match. For Mumbai City FC Amrinder Singh was back between the sticks replacing Ravi Kumar. As the home team’s performance deteriorated through the course of the season, the numbers of fans at the stadium had considerably reduced since the first home match against FC Goa.
Chennaiyin’s intentions were clear, they wanted their fortunes to change and started attacking from the first whistle. More players made their way into the box but no clear chances were created.
Mumbai were happy to play the waiting game, a sudden burst of energy from the away team opened up Chennaiyin’s defence. Brazilian Rafael Bastos who proved to be a menace in midfield found forward Modou Sougou who was unmarked near the edge of the box. The Senegalese hurled towards goal as his first shot was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. However, the rebound found Sougou again, who comfortably slotted the ball into the net, this time with his right foot.
During the start of the second period Mumbai were keen to seal the three points at stake but Karanjit ensured his team were in contention at least for a draw. A powerful shot from striker Sougou was brushed aside by the custodian, Amrinder was yet to be tested by Chennaiyin.
Chennayin’s first clear chance of the match came close to the hour mark. Brazilian Raphael Augusto pushed in a low cross from the left corner which found striker Carlos Salom close to the six-yard box but his shot ricocheted off the upright.
