Chennai: Pongal arrived early for Chennaiyin FC as they zoomed to the top of the Indian Super League following a 1-0 win over FC Pune City here on Saturday.
Dutch winger Gregory Nelson struck the winner seven minutes from time with a composed finish after being set up by substitute Raphael Augusto on the right. Pune’s winless record against Chennaiyin continued with their sixth loss in eight games including a double whammy this season.
The introduction of Augusto did the trick for Chennaiyin who had been bereft of ideas for an hour or so. Pune were the livelier side in the opening half. They had the hosts dancing to their tunes with three exquisite moves within the first quarter of an hour.
Having not done anything worthwhile thus far, Chennaiyin got a chance to take the lead from 12 yards in the 25th minute.
Referee Raktim Saha awarded the home team a penalty for Adil Khan’s shoulder charge on Gregory Nelson.
Slovenian Rene Mihelic saved Saha’s blushes with a tame spot kick that proved to be a lollipop to Pune goalie Vishal Kaith.
Mumbai up against Kerala
Mumbai City FC take on a resurgent Kerala Blasters side in an Indian Super League fixture here at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. Since the arrival of new coach David James, Kerala have been unbeaten in two matches. Mumbai are fifth in the league with 14 points from nine games and drew 1-1 away at Kerala. The Blasters are seventh with 11 points after nine games.
Dynamos fight for survival
Bottom-placed Delhi Dynamos, on the brink of being eliminated, face an uphill task in overcoming table toppers Bengaluru FC in New Delhi on Sunday.
