CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC are only a point away from qualification to the play-offs after they blanked Mumbai City FC 3-0 in their Hero Indian Super League clash in Chennai on Tuesday.

 

Knowing that they had the best chance of qualifying among the four teams battling for a place in the semi-finals, Chennaiyin FC dominated from start to finish and scored all three goals in the first session through Stiven  Mendoza (9th minute), Jeje Lalpekhlua (17th minute) and Bernard Mendy (45th minute).

 

The win puts Chennaiyin FC in an advantageous position to qualify for the semifinals. Placed fourth at the moment with 19 points from 13 matches, Chennaiyin FC will qualify with a draw against FC Pune City in their last match, unless NorthEast United score victory by a record margin in their concluding league clash, also against FC Pune City on Wednesday.

 

Chennaiyin FC adjusted quickly to the surface in Chennai where it rained continuosly. The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute itself when a brilliant through ball from Zakeer Mundampara, replacing the suspended Harmanjot Khabra in midfield, saw Mendoza race beyond Frantz Bertin, ward off pressure from the defender and slot the ball past the onrushing Mumbai City goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

 

Chennaiyin FC made it 2-0 in the 17th minute with Thoi Singh doing some brilliant work to flick a Dhanachandra Singh cross from the right to Jeje, who beat the offside trap and then calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper.

 

Mumbai City FC were never really in this game as they struggled to come to terms with Chennaiyin FC’s methodical game and lightning quick movements upfront. Even if they were entertaining any hopes of a comeback, they were effectively killed in the first session as Mendy made it 3-0 in added time.

 

Thoi Singh was again the provider as his reverse pass was intercepted well by Mendy who did well to audaciously chip the ball over Subrata Paul.

 

With a three-goal advantage in the first session itself, there was no way Chennaiyin FC would allow Mumbai City FC a comeback route. Chennaiyin FC shut doors and hardly allowed Mumbai a clear look at the goal in the next 45 minutes. Sony Norde was the only player who caused some difficulties for the Chennaiyin FC defence but goalkeeper Edel Bete was on hand to rescue his team.

 

Mumbai City FC are now virtually out of the league with 13 points from 13 matches. They play their concluding league clash against defending champions Atletico de Kolkata on December 4 in Kolkata.

 

Chennaiyin FC will play FC Pune City in what can turn out to be a decisive clash on December 5.

(Report and picture courtesy -- ISL)