Already qualified Chennaiyin FC U-13s end Chennai zone campaign in defeat

Chennai – The Chennaiyin FC Under-13 team lost 2-1 to the FC Madras Under-13 team in the former’s final 2018-19 Hero Sub-Junior League Chennai zone fixture at the SSN College Ground here today. CFC thus end their Chennai zone campaign in second place with 18 points from their eight games. CFC had already qualified for the final round of the competition to be held in Goa next month, after establishing an unassailable lead in second place in the previous games. The first and second placed teams from the Chennai zone receive direct entry into the final round.

The CFC U-13s have progressed to the final round for a second consecutive season, having qualified in their debut campaign last year with a 100% record in the Chennai zone. Chennaiyin kept six clean sheets and conceded just three goals from their eight group games this time around. This means that as things stand, CFC have the joint-best defensive record in the Chennai zone along with FC Madras who have a game in hand. At the other end of the pitch, CFC scored a total of 41 goals with ten different players finding the back of the net. Striker K. Karmugilan top-scoring for CFC with seven goals to his name. At the time of sending this report, CFC are the second-highest goalscorers across all zones in the Sub-Junior League, behind FC Madras who have 49 goals with one game to go.

There were no changes to the Chennaiyin starting eleven from their previous outing. CFC began on the front foot and took an early lead after Mohamed Irfan was fouled in the box and S. Varun Kumar converted the spot kick in the eighth minute.

CFC’s lead however was short-lived, as FC Madras equalized two minutes later through their top-scorer Manglenthang Kipgen. A defensive lapse from the Chennaiyin backline leading to the leveller.

There was an early change for CFC in attack as Karmugilan made way for E. Kannan.

FC Madras grew into the game and had a few decent opportunities leading up to half-time. However, the Chennaiyin defence stood firm as it finished 1-1 at the break.

The visitors continued to dominate in the second half and took the lead in the 42nd minute. Leonardo Christy giving them the advantage from a well-taken free-kick.

Despite Chennaiyin’s best efforts, FC Madras held on to complete the double over CFC and seal top spot in the Chennai zone.

Having bowed out at the group stages of the Sub-Junior League final round last season, the CFC U-13s will be aiming to progress further when they compete against teams from around the country next month in Goa.

Score: Chennaiyin FC U-13s 1 (S. Varun Kumar 8 (P)’) lost to FC Madras U-13s 2 (Manglenthang Kipgen 10’, Leonardo Christy L. 42’)