Chennaiyin suffer 2-0 defeat to Odisha in first game of 2020

Bhubaneswar, January 6, 2020: Chennaiyin FC suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Odisha FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium here on Monday. Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis missed a penalty before Odisha scored two quick-fire first-half goals. CFC dominated the second-half but the goal eluded them.

Eli Sabia returned from suspension alongside Lucian Goian in defence. Jerry Lalrinzuala started proceedings, with Laldinliana Renthlei also getting a run out at right-back with Edwin Vanspaul suspended.

It was a slow start to proceedings with both teams unable to get a foothold in the game. That was also partly due to the torrid condition of the pitch, with grass coming off and players unable to kick properly.

With a quarter of the game gone, CFC were awarded a penalty for Shubham Sarangi’s foul on Valskis. The CFC No. 9 stepped up himself but sent his penalty over the bar to the disappointment of the Chennaiyin bench.

At the other end, Odisha missed two big opportunities to go ahead, with Nandhakumar Sekar and Aridane Santana missing from close range.

Then with half-time approaching, Odisha scored twice in quick succession. First, Santana’s low cross from the right was missed by everyone, before finding an unmarked Jerry Mawihmingthanga at the far post who tapped in.

Soon after it was 2-0 after a well-worked move, which ended with Vinit Rai set up at the edge of the box. The Assam midfielder unleashed a first-time shot that whizzed past Vishal Kaith in goal.

It was all Chennaiyin in the second period though, as Owen Coyle’s men tried their best to hit back. Germanpreet Singh’s through ball in the 49th minute for Rafael Crivellaro almost led to a goal, but for a last-minute block by Gaurav Bora.

Another chance fell CFC’s way after the hour mark, when Andre Schembri whipped in an inviting cross from the left. It missed everyone but was going in at the far post, only for keeper Francisco Dorronsoro to get a touch.

Martin Guedes and Bikramjit Singh came on for Xisco Hernandez and Vinit Rai respectively. As for CFC, Dragos Firtulescu and Rahim Ali replaced Schembri and Lallianzuala Chhangte respectively.

Goian had a shot blocked and Rahim pulled an effort wide in the closing stages while Odisha tried to hit back on the counter, but it ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts as CFC’s search for a first away win continues.