Chennaiyin FC U-15s held to second consecutive play-off draw; U-13s play out goalless stalemate against FF Academy

Goa/Kolkata: The Chennaiyin FC U-13 team picked up its first point of the 2018-19 Hero Sub-Junior League final round after a 0-0 draw with Future Football (FF) Academy at the Navelim Ground in Goa. And at Kolkata’s Naihati Stadium, the Chennaiyin FC U-15s also shared the spoils with Thane – Football School of India in a 2-2 draw in the 2018-19 Hero Junior League play-off round. Striker Yugan S. starred with a brace of the U-15s.

Both CFC youth teams are still winless in their respective competitions after having played two games each. Both will need to win in their final group games to stand a chance of progressing to the next round.

CFC U-15s suffer harsh draw

The CFC U-15s put in a spirited display against Thane – Football School of India, having drawn their opening group game 0-0 against Aizawl FC U-15s. After a subdued opening fifteen minutes, Chennaiyin grew into the game and proved a menace through strikers Yugan S. and Varun Kumar. The former came close on several occasions in the first period but was thwarted by the keeper or his efforts were wayward.

In the second half, CFC continued with vigour and scored through none other than Yugan. A well-taken volley from an Aravind Karthickeyan corner kick found the back of the net. Thane drew level instantly though, a minute later. The referee awarded a contentious penalty after a Thane player went down in the box with minimal contact. Bharatsingh Dhami scored from the spot.

It remained end-to-end as Yugan netted his brace two minutes later. Skipper Deepak Thapamogar, who was impressive in the CFC midfield, put the striker through on goal. Yugan made no mistake to score his sixth goal of the season and drew level with Mohamed Liyaakath as CFC’s top-scorer this season.

With the last ten minutes approaching Thane were awarded another penalty, again for some suspect contact in the box. Karan Prajapati drew the Maharashtra side level for the second time from the spot.

The CFC U-15s came hard at Thane in the closing moments. And CFC goalkeeper Aron R. at the other end, who was also celebrating his birthday, kept out two one-on-one chances to ensure parity. The winner remained elusive for both side as it finished 2-2.

In their final play-off group game, the CFC U-15s take on Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) Football Academy on Friday 17th May 2019 at the Naihati Stadium with kick-off at 4 PM.

CFC U-13s endure stalemate

The Chennaiyin FC U-13s opened their account in the final round with a 0-0 draw against FF Academy. They were beaten 4-1 by Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) in their opener two days back.

Midfielder Ajay Kumar M. and striker K. Karmugilan were the standout players for CFC in the first half, both creating chances but missing from close range.

Karmugilan had the best chance with half-time nearing, when he was in on goal. The keeper managed to get a touch as Karmugilan tried to go around him. There were shouts for a penalty, but the referee wasn’t having any of it.

After the break, it was the turn of CFC keeper Ajay Kumar to stand tall. He made a couple of brilliant saves one-on-one to keep the opposition out. Both sides continued to get in good positions in the closing stages but there were no goals to report as it finished 0-0.

In their final round group game, the CFC U-13s take on Kolkata’s Southern Samity on Friday 17th May 2019 at the Don Bosco Ground in Goa with kick-off at 8 AM.

Scores:
2018-19 Hero Sub-Junior League Final Round Group A:

Chennaiyin FC U-13s 0 drew with FF Academy 0

2018-19 Hero Junior League Play-Off Round Group B:

Thane – Football School of India 2 (Bharatsingh Dhami 65’ (P), Karan Prajapati 79’ (P)) drew with Chennaiyin FC U-15s 2 (Yugan S. 64’, 68’)