Chennaiyin FC eye second win on the trot in Indian Super League

CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC could not have asked for a better start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season as they defeated the Sergio Lobera-managed Odisha FC at their 'fortress'. Brimming with confidence after a commendable show in the opener, CFC will be keen to keep the momentum going in the first home match against Mohammedan SC here on Thursday.

The ISL debutants are expected to give Chennaiyin a run for their money at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, having shown promise in the first two games. The Kolkata side put up spirited performances but fell victim to stoppage-time goals against NorthEast United FC (lost 0-1) and FC Goa (drew 1-1).

CFC head coach Owen Coyle acknowledged the quality Mohammedan possess. “They have already shown with their performances what kind of a team they are. They were unfortunate to lose the first game against NorthEast, while a draw would have been fair. The other day, Manolo Marquez said that Mohammedan were better than his side FC Goa. I expect a good fight,” Coyle said.

While Mohammedan could be dangerous opponents, CFC will be on a high as they bounced back strongly after conceding an early goal against Odisha. With potent players up front, Coyle went full throttle, a move that helped Chennaiyin seal the deal. However, Coyle is wary of a potential weakness in defence and highlighted that it needs betterment. "The penalty that we conceded early (to Odisha) was due to lack of focus and concentration and that happens in football. It (defence) is not an area of concern, while it is an area where we are working on and are looking to get better moving forward," Coyle added.

For Mohammedan to taste their maiden victory, Andrey Chernyshov's black-and-white brigade will bank on forward Carlos Franca to come good. Franca was a constant threat against Goa in their previous encounter. He drew a penalty for his side which helped Mohammedan score their first goal in the ISL. If Franca performs at his menacing best, CFC could be in trouble.


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