Chennaiyin FC hope to add some gloss in last game of the season against rivals KBFC
Goa, February 20, 2021: Chennaiyin FC hope to conclude an underwhelming Indian Super League season with a win over rivals Kerala Blasters FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday evening.
With 19 points from as many league games, 8th placed CFC come up against 10th placed KBFC who are enduring a disappointing campaign of their own. Csaba Laszlo’s Chennaiyin come into the final day clash on the back of a demoralizing 3-3 draw against NorthEast United FC, after having led through a Lallianzuala Chhangte brace and Manuel Lanzarote penalty. KBFC on the other hand suffered a 4-0 humiliation against Hyderabad FC that was followed by Head Coach Kibu Vicuna’s departure.
In what is one of the fiercely contested southern rivalries in the ISL, Chennaiyin FC will be hoping to bring some positivity and cheer among the fans watching back home as they take on KBFC. Last season’s 6-3 thumping of the Kochi side in their own backyard will be a source of inspiration for Laszlo’s men, with Chhangte scoring a double on that night as well.
In the reverse fixture this season, both sides played out a goalless draw in a game that saw CFC’s Slovakian striker Jakub Sylvestr failing to convert a penalty, saved by KBFC goalkeeper Albino Gomes. The trend of profligacy in front of goal pretty much began from that game, as Chennaiyin rued missed opportunities frequently– further bucked by the statistics in terms of chance creation and shots taken.
CFC have scored the joint-lowest number of goals this season, tied on 16 with SC East Bengal. They will be hoping the likes of Chhangte, Sylvestr and Isma fire in a final salvo of an otherwise forgettable campaign played out in Goa within a bio-secure environment.
A victory in the final game could elevate CFC by a place or two in the ISL table, but with a full round of matches left to be played in the following week, it remains to be seen what the Marina Machans’ eventual position for the 2020-21 campaign is.
Indian Super League 2020-21:.
Kerala Blasters FC v Chennaiyin FC
Sunday February 21, 2021
GMC Stadium, Bambolim
Kick-Off: 7:30 PM
Live on TV: Star Sports Network
Live on Digital: Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV
