KOLKATA: Chennaiyin FC defeated East Bengal FC 3-0 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata, in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

The Marina Machans broke their seven-game-long winless streak and progressed to the 10th spot with 21 points to their name due to this win, trailing the sixth-placed Bengaluru FC (28) by seven points and keeping their playoff hopes intact.

Chennaiyin FC discovered the maiden breakthrough due to an error by Nishu Kumar in the 13th minute. Charging down the middle with the ball, Wilmar Jordan Gil unlocked the East Bengal FC defence with a slick through ball for Connor Shields. However,

Shields did not control the ball to the best of his abilities and instead, a perplexing situation emerged inside the 18-yard area where none of the East Bengal FC players made a definitive clearance. The ball rolled into the back of the net taking the last touch from Nishu as even goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill had moved out of his line to prevent the danger, albeit unsuccessfully.

In the 21st minute, Irfan Yadwad mustered a cross for Wilmar, who was placed in extremely close range. The striker pounced upon the chance, drilling the ball into the bottom left corner to double their lead with ease.

Daniel Chima Chukwu found Chennaiyin FC’s third goal of the night late inside the added time of the second half.

East Bengal FC play their next game against Mohammedan SC on February 16, and Chennaiyin FC will square off against Punjab FC on February 15.

Hyderabad FC prevail 3-1 over Mohammedan Sporting

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad FC defeated Mohammedan Sportinbg 3-1 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium. This was the fourth win of the campaign for Hyderabad FC as they got to 16 points as a result of this triumph.

In the 24th minute, Muhammed Rafi caught the Mohammedan backline by surprise with a long through hall that sailed over them and met Allan Paulista inside the box. Allan brought the ball down with his chest, before nestling it into the centre of the net in an instant to cap off the offensive move convincingly.

Ramhlunchhunga doubled the lead off a free-kick from the edge of the box on the left side in the added time of the first half. Makhan Chothe’s reduced the margin for Mohammedan Sporting in the 78th minute. Joseph Sunny struck the third goal for the winners during the added time.

Hyderabad FC will play their next game against Odisha FC on February 14, whereas Mohammedan Sporting are set to feature against East Bengal on February 16.

(ISL Media Team)