Sereno leads Chennaiyin FC from the front

Henrique Sereno of Chennaiyin FC takes a shot to score a goal during match 15 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 3rd December 2017 Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Chennaiyin FC got the better of FC Pune City by a solitary goal in a Hero Indian Super League clash to move to the second spot at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi Stadium on Sunday

Henrique Sereno of Chennaiyin FC  takes a shot to score a goal during match 15 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 3rd December 2017  Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Henrique Sereno of Chennaiyin FC takes a shot to score a goal during match 15 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 3rd December 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

A 82nd minute goal from captain Henrique Sereno was enough for the former ISL champions to win their second match on the trot after the disastrous opening day loss against FC Goa.

After a cagey opening 15 minutes, Pune took control but couldn’t create any clear-cut goal scoring chances. Some of their best chances of the half came from set plays. Marcos Tebar’s free-kick in the 19th minute was headed down by a Pune player to Alfaro, who in turn passed in on to Rafael Lopez. But the Spanish defender’s side-footed shot went inches wide of the Chennaiyin goal.

Chennaiyin FC’s best chance of the first half fell to Gregory Nelson in the 40th minute. After stringing together a few passes in midfield, Inigo Calderon sent in a delightful cross into the box for Nelson to meet. The Dutchman’s diving header, however, was cleared well off the line by Rafael.

Both sides started the second half much like the first — unable to create chances going forward. In the 60th minute, Pune goalkeeper Vishal Kaith almost gifted a goal to John Gregory’s side. The goalkeeper came out of his box to collect a harmless-looking cross from Jerry Lalrinzuala but could only palm it in the path of midfielder Francisco Fernandes. Rafael, however, was again in the right place at the right time to make another goal-line clearance.

At the other end, Alfaro should have given Pune the lead in the 77th minute. After finding himself clear on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Uruguayan slashed the ball over the crossbar.

It looked like both sides would settle for a point each but there was a twist in the tale. With just eight minutes left for the final whistle, Sereno gave Chennaiyin FC the lead. The defender rose above everyone to thump Gavilan Martinez’s corner past the FC Pune City goalkeeper.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC: Strenghts, weakness, and player to watch out

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share