ISL 2024-25: Chima's late strike secures victory for Chennaiyin FC over Punjab FC

Synopsis

In an intense match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 15, Chennaiyin FC edged past Punjab FC with a late winner from Daniel Chima Chukwu, clinching a 2-1 victory in the Indian Super League. The match saw Punjab initially leading before Chennaiyin turned the tide.

Key Takeaways

Chennaiyin FC defeated Punjab FC 2-1.
Daniel Chima Chukwu scored the winning goal late in the match.
Wilmar Jordan Gil opened the scoring for Punjab with a penalty.
Luka Majcen equalized for Punjab shortly after halftime.
Punjab remains ninth in the league standings.

Chennai, Feb 15 (NationPress) Punjab FC suffered a 1-2 defeat against Chennaiyin FC after conceding a late goal during an Indian Super League match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Wilmar Jordan Gil, a former striker for Punjab, opened the scoring with a penalty in the first half. However, Luka Majcen equalized shortly after the second half commenced. In a heartbreaking turn for Punjab, Daniel Chima Chukwu netted the decisive goal in the 84th minute. Punjab remains in ninth place on the table with 24 points from 20 matches, while Chennaiyin sits just below with the same points but from 21 matches.

The match began with Punjab creating the first opportunity, as Filip Mrzljak forced a save from Mohammad Nawaz after receiving a pass from Petros Giakoumakis. The Shers controlled the game early on but conceded a penalty when Melroy handled the ball while shielding Wilmar Jordan. The Colombian made no mistake in converting the penalty.

Mrzljak had several attempts to equalize but was unable to find the net before being substituted due to injury. The closing minutes of the half saw back-and-forth action, with both teams creating chances. Substitute Muhammad Suhail delivered dangerous crosses from the left, but they failed to connect. On the other side, Ravi Kumar executed two brilliant one-on-one saves against Irfan Yadwad to preserve the narrow lead for the home team.

Punjab took the lead just three minutes into the second half when Luka finished a superb team move. Asmir Suljic found Pulga Vidal at the edge of the box, who then delivered a precise pass to Luka, allowing him to score past the goalkeeper. Despite having three additional opportunities set up by the lively Suhail, Luka could not extend the lead.

Punjab continued to apply pressure but failed to convert their chances. Their missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Chennaiyin scored the winning goal six minutes from time. Substitutes Lukas Brambilla and Daniel Chima Chukwu combined effectively, with Chukwu finding himself unmarked inside the six-yard box and scoring.

In the closing moments, Punjab desperately sought an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted as Ravi Kumar saved attempts from Luka Majcen and Pulga Vidal, with a goal-line clearance from Chennaiyin’s defense denying Vidal's right-footed shot. Ultimately, Chennaiyin managed to maintain their slender lead, securing three vital points.