ISL 2023-24: Marina Machans Cruise to Victory with a 5-1 Triumph Over Punjab

Chennai, October 29, 2023: In a sensational display of attacking prowess, Connor Shields scored twice as Chennaiyin FC registered a dominating 5-1 victory against Punjab FC during the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Leading from the front, skipper Ryan Edwards opened the scoring for Chennaiyin in the 24th minute. Connor Shields joined the goal rush, netting in the 27th and 56th minute while Rafael Crivellaro contributed to the scoreboard in the 45+1th minute, courtesy of a penalty kick. Substitute Vincy Barretto got his name on the scoresheet as well in the 84th minutehelping the Marina Machans record their second win in a row. In the 86th minute, Krishnananda Singh Khundongbam notched Punjab’s sole goal.

Chennaiyin FC, brimming with confidence after their victory over Hyderabad FC, entered the match with a determined and aggressive approach. The hosts outplayed their opponents, creating several close chances and capitalizing on two quick goals.

Captain Edwards struck the first goal with a precise right-footed shot. Shortly after, 26-year-old Shields doubled the lead by converting Crivellaro’s cross to perfection.

The visitors’ woes were compounded when Farukh Choudhary was brought down in the box, conceding a penalty. Fan-favorite Crivellaro made no mistake, making it 3-0 for Chennaiyin right before half-time.
Punjab FC’s difficulties continued after the break when defender Melroy Assisi was shown a red card for fouling Rahim Ali, reducing them to 10 men.

Chennaiyin capitalized on the situation, with Scottish striker Shields scoring a magnificent goal from distance, marking his second of the match. The 23-year-old Barretto, who came onto the field as a substitute, made his presence felt when he converted a Jordan Murray pass to score the team’s fifth goal.

Punjab FC managed to score their first goal in the 86th minute when Khundongbam struck from outside the box. However, it was a consolation, as Chennaiyin achieved a dominant victory in a lopsided contest.

Chennaiyin will now host FC Goa on Sunday whereas Punjab FC will continue their hunt for the first ISL win against Mumbai City FC in an away game on Thursday.