The referee pointed to the spot in the 87th minute after the ball seemed to hit Jhingan near his underarm as he blocked a shot from close range. Mihelic made no mistake, arranging the ball to the Paul Rachubka’s right after a tiny stutter in his run-up.

Until the deadlock was broken, the Blasters had probably gone closest in the second half when Courage Pekuson turned his man and made space for himself to take a stinging shot which Karanjit Singh expertly palmed away. Rachubka had to make a save of his own at the other end from Gregory Nelson’s shot. The save was fitting as it came shortly after he tripped in front of Jeje Lalpekhlua, almost allowing the striker to score. But Jeje stuck a leg out and a foul was given, saving Rachubka’s blushes.

It was almost disaster for Chennaiyin soon after the second half started when Lalruatthara’s cross deflected off Mailson Alves’ head and almost beat his own keeper. But minutes later they created a chance, with Anirudh Thapa, Lalpekhlua and Raphael Augusto combining to set up Francis Fernandes who should have done better than to shoot straight at the keeper.

It was a first half of few chances as Kerala Blasters mostly played on the counter and Chennaiyin in their quick attacking style, with a lot of dominance in the final third. They had 60% of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, but the best chance of the half fell to Jackichand Singh. It was a blistering counter-attack which saw CK Vineeth release Courage Pekuson. With defenders chasing these two attackers, Jackichand was left all alone on the right win. Pekuson found him and the Indian’s first touch set him up for a shot which skewed off the outside of his boot and flew into the stands.

Chennaiyin had a few opportunities as well. The first one came as early as the third minute but Jude Nworuh was adjudged offside despite being in line. That said, he would be glad to see the flag go up, considering his first time attempt from a tight angle was largely forgettable. Some flying tackles and these half chances apart, both teams were bracing for a more open second half.

The result keeps Chennaiyin in first spot. They have 13 points from seven games. That’s point more than FC Goa (who have two games in hand) and Bengaluru FC. Blasters remain in seventh place with seven points from six matches.

Also Read: FC Goa face tough challenge from FC Pune City in third home game

Also Read: Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Strength, Weakness, and player to watch.

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Speaking at the press conference Kingfisher East Bengal Head Coach, Khalid Jamil said, ”We just to play our natural game as we have played all our matches. I never look back into the past and won’t do that either. We played a positive football in our last game and garnered important three points. Boys are really confident and we are focused on tomorrow’s game.”

The architect of the last win, Willis Plaza doesn’t feel complacent at all and he stresses on the ‘team-effort’. “We’re really feeling confident, we are in good shape and whether I score or anyone else does, it matters little. The most important thing is the team and to churn out the positive results”, the T&T-born striker aired.

On the other hand, the home team coach V Soundarajan coming back from an emphatic win over Churchill Brothers FC Goa showed his concern over the less ‘recovery time’ following their away fixture. He said,”We played our last match on 19th while they (Kingfisher East Bengal) played two days before. Then we had to fly back to Coimbatore. It might be a concern for my boys tomorrow”, Soundarajan sounded cautious before the Southern outfit goes out tomorrow for their first home match of the season.

He didn’t mince his words praising the Red & Golds ahead of the media. “They are a well-organised unit and no one can deny that they’re one of the top teams in India. They will surely impose a great challenge for us. On the flipside, it’s a great advantage for us to gauge our potential”, Chennai City FC coach stressed.

He added, “It’s our first home match of the season and incidentally this will be our first time at our new home stadium. Hence, it can be termed as an away fixture for us as well.” Soosai Raj, who was handed the armband before the season kicked off, said that it’s not putting any extra pressure on him on the pitch.

“We go out to play our normal game. I’m immensely proud to wear the armband but frankly saying, it doesn’t put any added pressure on me”, the creative midfielder stated. Meanwhile, coach rued the soft goals which cost them vital points. “Actually, our goalkeeper joined us later and the time for adjustment with the team is clearly visible from some last minute lapses in the defence. Anyway, we’re improving with each training session and it’ll rightly reflect on our performance.”

Sydney Vanspaul also chipped in and he sounded pretty confident before taking on the Red & Golds tomorrow. “We all remember our last season’s win and it’ll obviously boost us before tomorrow’s match. But, everyone will start from the scratch and we have to try our best to repeat the feat again.”

Skipper Soosai Raj added, “Our win came at the right moment. Although we’re playing some positive football, results were not coming our way. Finally, we got the win which was long overdue.”

The match is scheduled at 05:30 PM and it’ll be telecast on Star Sports 2, 2 HD and streamed live on Hotstar, Jio TV.

Also Read: Blasters hope to continue momentum

Also Read: Frustrated de Deus rues near misses

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CK Vineeth of Kerala Blasters FC in acton during match 24 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, India on the 15th December 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Rene Meulensteen’s team suffered after recording three draws to begin with but held on to win 1-0 against NorthEast United in their previous game, and the Dutchman will hope that they’ve finally turned the corner when they meet the hosts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.

“The first task is to reassure my players that we’re in an ongoing process, still developing as a team and as individuals and you slowly put your jigsaw together. Apart from the Goa game, you have seen us getting more positive going forward, creating chances, opening teams up and scoring goals,” he said, adding that clean sheets would still be a high priority for a side which has kept three in five games.

“Clean sheets are the basis of everything and give you the right to play so that is important. We look very strong defensively and got our first win of the season and stumbling into it. That said, Chennaiyin are a side which know how to grind out a win and can score from open and set play,” the former Manchester United assistant coach said.

Chennaiyin’s ability to grind out results was certainly on show in their late wins against ATK and Bengaluru FC. Even with their backs to the wall, John Gregory has made them into a never-say-die outfit which keeps going till the end in the quest for points.

“I’ll never be satisfied. I told my players that we should have more points on the board. We’ve messed up a couple of times and I’ve messed up a couple of times but I’m delighted how hard the players have worked in training and matches,” he said, adding that his side now had a weight of expectation on them due to their performances.

He also said that he would take nothing for granted despite Chennaiyin losing just twice in eight games against the Blasters. “I only use a statistic like that when it is to my advantage. I expect Kerala to finish higher than where they are and they’re coming into this game on the back of their first win and will prepare hard to get a favourable result,” the Englishman said.

Gregory is right to not take Kerala lightly because despite playing a game less, the Yellow Army is not far behind in terms of statistics when it comes to keeping the ball and passing it. The telling difference though, is Chennaiyin’s ability to convert nearly 20% of their goal chances to Kerala’s 9%. And it is probably that number which will determine the course of the match.

Meulensteen will not be able to pick either Dimitar Berbatov or Pritam Kumar, but for Gregory – except for the local hero Dhanpal Ganesh who will serve a match suspension for 4 Yellow cards – he has a full squad to choose from.

Also Read: Frustrated de Deus rues near misses

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Jeje Lalpekhlua of Chennaiyin FC scores for Chennaiyin FC during match 26 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore, India on the 17th December 2017
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

In a match that was billed as a ‘Southern Derby’ with both coaches making it clear there was added motivation to win this one, Jeje Lalpekhlua provided Chennaiyin FC with the lead in the fifth minute.

It stayed that way till the end of the first half but Bengaluru FC, who have scored most of their goals in the second session, got the equaliser in the 85th minute. With five minutes still left to be played, Bengaluru FC fancied their chances of even securing the winner but the much-celebrated match-winner came at the other end as Ganesh headed home in the 88th minute.

It was a dramatic end to an invigorating clash that took them to 12 points from six matches, the same as Bengaluru FC and FC Goa, who have a match in hand. Chennaiyin FC, however, are placed third with an inferior goal average.

Chennaiyin FC won’t mind that, particularly because this victory comes after their loss in Mumbai. John Gregory’s side put up a commendable team performance, although it was a great defensive display from players like captain Henrique Sereno, Mailson Alves, Inigo Calderon and Dhanpal Ganesh which helped them hand Bengaluru FC their first defeat at home this season.

Chennaiyin FC were also helped by an early goal, scored by their top Indian goal-scorer, Jeje. It came in slightly lucky circumstances as Lenny Rodrigues’s clearance deflected off Chhetri and landed right in front of Jeje who did well to slam it past goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca made six changes to his side as he rested Juanan, Subhasish Bose, Udanta Singh, Erik Paartalu and Braulio Nobrega along with goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte and it showed in their performance as they could not impose themselves on the opposition. Even their highest goalscorer, Miku, who scored in the last four matches, was kept quiet throughout.

It was only in the second session that Bengaluru showed more urgency, and with Udanta on the field, chances came thick and fast. Captain Chhetri missed from close range early in the second half but more than made up for that miss with a superb equaliser in the 85th minute. Left unmarked, Chhetri simply picked up a pass from Toni Dovale and gave Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh no chance with his half-volley.

Chhetri appeared to have rescued a crucial point and saved Bengaluru’s proud home record at the Fortress. However, Dhanpal Ganesh silenced the crowd in the 88th minute when he rose high to meet a scorner from Rene Mihelic.

Also Read: West Block supporters came to me & said we have to win this game: Albert Roca

Also Read: Clinical Goa hammers five past Delhi, to move into top spot

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Sunil Chhetri of Bengaluru FC warm up before the start of the match 23 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 14th December 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

The ISL debutants have been at their best on their home turf, rightly nicknamed the Fortress. With convincing victories over Mumbai City FC and Delhi Dynamos in their first two matches at home, Bengaluru FC will look to hand Chennaiyin FC the same treatment and open up a lead at the top of the table.

Bengaluru FC lead the table with 12 points from five matches, “I expect a tough game. They are very competitive and have big central defenders. Also, they are good in set-pieces. For us tomorrow, it will be difficult. They are a side with good balance,” Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said during the pre-match media interaction on Saturday.

The importance of the next clash against Chennaiyin FC has been explained in detail to the Spanish coach. It’s a clash against a team that is closely located to them, and the supporters group – West Block Blues – wants the bragging rights to remain with them.

“The West Block supporters came to me and said, ‘Coach, we have to win this game. This is more important because it’s a derby’. I will explain to the players what this match means, just so that it gives us extra motivation,” said Roca.

Also Read: Top-four slot in sight, Mumbai City takes on bottom-placed ATK

Bengaluru will see the return of first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on Sunday. The custodian missed the last two matches through suspension. While Gurpreet could start for sure, the coach said he might provide rest to some of his players because they have another game coming up on Thursday.

“We have another big game on Thursday, so we have to manage the situation as best as possible. The players don’t want to sit out, but the job of the coaching staff is to make sure everyone’s being rested well,” he said.

Chennaiyin FC are equally determined to stay put among the top teams and know that victory could take them to the top of the table. After three successive victories, Chennaiyin FC were grounded in Mumbai and are keen to get back to winning ways.

“Once you get to the top, everyone wants to knock you off (the perch). It can be easy to get to the top of the league, but to stay there is the more difficult thing. We’ve come here obviously knowing that we are up against a team which is three points ahead of us. We want to take three points back to Chennai. I am aware this is a local derby. This is by far the closest team to us (geographically). There is a bit of local rivalry here,” said Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory.

Also Read: Clinical Goa hammers five past Delhi, to move into top spot

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Balwant Singh of Mumbai City FC during match 16 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,Kochi, India on the 3rd December 2017
Photo by: Arjun Singh / ISL / SPORTZPICS

After their opening round loss to FC Goa at home, Chennaiyin FC have won three successive matches to surge to No. 2 in the table with nine points, just shy of Bengaluru FC who have a superior goal difference. But Mumbai City captain Lucian Goian said they are ready for anything the visitors will throw at them, particularly with the fans backing them to the hilt.

“We are prepared for everything. Most important is for us to control the game. We have showed that we are improving with each game. That gives us a lot of confidence,” Goian said during the pre-match media interaction on Saturday.

Mumbai City are returning home, where they won their previous game against FC Goa, after securing a point against Kerala Blasters FC. It was a difficult game and the captain admitted it was a good point to grab playing away. “That was a positive result, considering we were playing away. It’s not easy in Kochi because of the fantastic atmosphere. I like that atmosphere. We have returned with a point which is important. That will give us confidence for the home games,” said the Mumbai captain.

It will be Chennaiyin FC, though, who should consider themselves favourites given their fantastic run of three victories in a row, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over defending champions ATK in the previous game at home. “We just want to keep it going. We had a poor first 45 minutes in our first game (against FC Goa), but since then we have managed to put together a couple of good results and we desperately want to keep it going,” said Coach John Gregory.

Chennaiyin FC have been boosted by the return of influential midfielder Raphael Augusto who has now recovered to take the field again. Coach Gregory said he was kept out as a “precautionary measure” against ATK, but more importantly the visitors are buoyed by the return to form of Jeje Lalpekhlua.

The Chennaiyin FC striker is the leading Indian goal scorer in the ISL and announced his arrival this season with a brace against ATK. “It’s unusual for Jeje not to score going into his fourth game. Fortunately, others were scoring which took pressure off him,” said Gregory.

The Mumbai City FC skipper added: “If they have Jeje, we have Balwant. It will be a good contest.”

Also Read: Can undefeated Jamshedpur defence hold Pune’s goal-hungry strikers?

Also Read: 5 talking points as FC Goa outclassed Kerala Blasters

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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

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Emiliano Alfaro of FC Pune City tries to get past the defence of Delhi Dynamos FC during match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

FC Pune City coach Ranko Popovic has been left in no doubt that FC Pune City can put an end to their win drought against Chennaiyin FC in their fourth round clash of the Hero Indian Super League at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday.

Pune City have not defeated Chennaiyin FC since inception of the ISL four years ago. But as the two teams square-off in Pune, the hosts are in ebullient mood. “This is one more reason to be motivated,” the Pune City coach said during the pre-match media briefing.

In the previous six encounters between the two teams, the Chennai side has been victorious on four occasions, while two matches have ended in draws. “Whatever has happened in the past can be changed; that should be our motivation. But even bigger motivation will be to get all three points. I’m looking forward to one good performance from my players. We need to play well,” said Popovic.

FC Pune City will be high on confidence. Popovic’s side comes into the game on the back of two consecutive victories, the last one against local rivals Mumbai City FC. Popovic’s side has also been in great goal-scoring form, scoring nine goals in three matches with striking duo Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro regularly finding the back of the net.

Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory is aware of the threat the two frontmen will pose to his side. The visitors have struck good form too after a disappointing 2-3 loss against FC Goa in the opener and the coach believes his team needs to keep things tight at the back.

“We need to be at our best against Pune. Two of their boys have grabbed all the headlines in the last couple of games. Alfaro and Marcelinho are playing outstanding. They have scored goals between them. And we’ll certainly need to be at our best to try to keep those two quiet,” said Gregory. When asked if Pune’s gruelling fixture list that saw them play three games in eight days will be an advantage to his side, Gregory simply brushed it off.

“They are on a very good run at the moment. When the games come, the players are always ready. When you are winning, when you are playing really well, scoring lots of goals, you can get up and play the next morning. I don’t think it really matters,” he said.

Also Read: ISL 2017: 5 talking points from Week 2

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Raphael Augusto of Chennaiyin FC hit for goal during match 6 of the Hero Indian Super League between Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai India on the 23rd November 2017
Photo by: Arjun Singh / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Chennaiyin FC had lost their opening battle against FC Goa after conceding three first-half goals. Coach Gregory John had admitted that he got his formation and choice of players wrong. For the next clash, he made four changes; handing starts to Gregory Nelson, Francis Fernandes, Bikramjiit Singh and Dhanpal Ganesh, and the new-look squad started firing straightway.

The man who starred for Chennaiyin FC was a familiar face. Raphael Augusto has been with the club since 2015 and was at the heart of the first two goals. It was his powerful attempt on goal that forced NorthEast defender Abdul Hakku to deflect into his own goal in the 11th minute and then Raphael himself got on to the scoresheet with a fine attempt from outside the danger zone in the 24th minute. Substitute Mohammed Rafi made it 3-0 with a goal in the 84th minute to hand Chennaiyin FC their first victory.

NorthEast United had the first chance of the match as Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh carelessly gave the ball away in the fourth minute. The ball fell to Seiminlen Doungel whose curling effort from the left sailed over the crossbar. Francis Fernandes then missed from close range for Chennaiyin but the hosts didn’t have to wait for long to break the deadlock. Raphael moved inside from the left and with plenty of space available tried his luck from a distance. The ball struck Abdul Hakku’s head and entered into his own goal.

Chennaiyin made it 2-0 in the 24th minute. Midfielder Bikramjit Singh started this move with a diagonal ball which Nelson headed for Raphael who finished it off with a powerful left-footed attempt.

NorthEast United coach Joao de Deus was forced into two substitutions inside the first half as he introduced Halicharan Narzary and Luis Alfonso for Seiminlen Doungel and an injured Odair Fortes. But the visitors didn’t create any chance in the first half. Even in the second session, NorthEast United were hardly in the game and looked a far cry from the side that dominated Jamshedpur FC in their opening game.

Instead, Chennaiyin FC continued to grow and they added to their goal tally through substitute Mohammed Rafi who pounced on the chance after Jaime Gavilan’s free-kick had ricocheted off the goalpost.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Strength, Weakness & Players to watch out

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Steve Coppell of Jamshedpur FCduring match 2 of the Hero Indian Super League between NorthEast United FC & Jamshedpur FC 
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Head coach Steve Coppell will return to his old stomping ground when he leads Jamshedpur FC against his former club Kerala Blasters FC here on Friday. The Englishman took the Blasters to the final last season and is part of the Yellow Army folklore.

“I’m very happy to be in Kochi and see some of my old players, to see the fans and the stadium. It brings back a lot of happy memories for me from last season. The reception I’ve had so far on the streets is lovely and it’s nice to be remembered. But it’s a new season and I’m here to do a job for someone else. That’s what happens in football,” the former Manchester United winger said, praising the intense atmosphere that Kerala’s fans produce at home.

Apart from some returning players, Coppell’s  assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed will also pit his brains against his former team. Ahmed played for the Kerala Blasters before joining Jamshedpur’s technical staff. Coppell said that there wouldn’t be any attempt from his team to find a point from the match. “We’re going for the win,” he said, as Jamshedpur go into their second away match in a row. Both teams played out 0-0 draws in their opening games of the season.

Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen faced a frustrating evening on opening day against Atletico de Kolkata. His side took 10 shots but hit the target only five times, and he admitted that work was done to improve the final product while attacking.

“I know Steve [Coppell] and I expect his team to be very difficult to beat. It will be direct and they can catch you unaware. He will have the team well organised, hardworking and hard to break down. So we need to show a lot of quality, be alert and produce a high level of energy,” the Dutchman said.

The teams will have shirked off the anxiety of the first game, and will slowly gel over a few games, both head coaches said. He also hinted that Dimitar Berbatov could play in the hole behind  the striker, a position from where he had the most influence in the previous game after he started it as a lone striker and was left begging for better service.

“We have to maximise the quality we have and we try out different options to do that. I have players who can play in different positions and this helps me rotate them on the frontline. It also gives us some unpredictability up front,” he said. The participation of former Manchester United defender Wes Brown will be touch and go as well.

Coppell insisted that there wasn’t enough football played in the season to judge the character of teams and how they would play, but Friday’s game will certainly see enough players on the pitch – like Berbatov – who can change the game in the blink of an eye.

Also Read: Delhi Dynamos ride on Chhangte special

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