Chennaiyin FC U-15s draw in Junior League play-off opener; U-13s begin Sub-Junior League final round in defeat
Goa/Kolkata: The Chennaiyin FC U-15s began their 2018-19 Hero Junior League play-off round with a goalless draw against Aizawl FC U-15s in Kolkata, while the CFC U-13s suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) in their 2018-19 Hero Sub-Junior League final round opener in Goa. Forward E. Kannan scored the CFC U-13s’ solitary goal.
The CFC U-15s are fighting it out in the play-off round to secure a spot in the Junior League final round while the U-13s are aiming to secure qualification to the semis of the Sub-Junior League for the first time.
CFC U-15s and Aizawl FC U-15s play out intense goalless draw
The CFC U-15s were without their influential striker Mohammed Liyaakath who top-scored for them with six goals in the Chennai zone. Liyaakath is currently away for an India U-16 national team camp in Goa.
The attack was thus led by Yugan S. and Kishore R.A. And Yugan was CFC U-15s’ biggest threat against Aizawl as a couple of efforts from him nearly went in during the first half. At the other end Aizawl were kept out by some astute defending by the likes of N. Sivamani and Aravind Karthickeyan. Goalkeeper Aron R. too was at hand to make some crucial saves.
CFC U-15s’ were the better side in the second period with Yugan again coming the closest. This time he struck the crossbar after cutting in from the left in the 79th minute. The game was played out with both sides wasting chances as it finished 0-0.
In the other Junior League play-off round Group B game, Thane – Football School of India edged out Sports Authority of India (SAG) Gujarat by a 2-1 margin. The CFC U-15s face Thane next on Wednesday 15th May with kick-off at 8:30 AM at the Naihati Stadium in Kolkata.
CFC U-13s humbled by RFYC
Earlier in the day, the CFC U-13s began their Hero Sub-Junior League campaign in Goa with a 4-1 defeat to RFYC.
The CFC U-13s began steadily, pressing RFYC high up the pitch. Forward K. Karmugilan and midfielder K. Srinith stood out for them in the first half.
However RFYC took the lead through Karthick Thirumalai from a set-piece. And soon after the break they made it two, through a long-ranger from Harsh Palande.
After the break, the CFC U-13s did manage to pull one back a minute later, through forward E. Kannan. The attacker reacted the fastest after a goalmouth scramble had ensued following S. Varun Kumar’s free kick that the keeper fumbled.
But as Chennaiyin tried to equalize, RFYC caught them out on the counter twice in quick succession. Harsh Vaghela and Prantik Saha netted for RFYC as they closed out the game with a 4-1 win.
In the other Sub-Junior League final round Group A game, Kolkata’s Southern Samity downed Kerala’s FF Academy by a 2-0 scoreline.
The CFC U-13s will face FF Academy in their next outing on Wednesday 15th May with kick-off at 8 AM at the Navelim Ground in Goa.
Scores:
2018-19 Hero Sub-Junior League Final Round Group A:
Reliance Foundation Young Champs U-13s 4 (Karthick Thirumalai 20’, Harsh Palande 42’, Harsh Vaghela 48’, Prantik Saha 50’) beat Chennaiyin FC U-13s 1 (E. Kannan 43’)
2018-19 Hero Junior League Play-Off Round Group B:
Chennaiyin FC U-15s 0 drew with Aizawl FC U-15s 0
