ISL 2024-25: East Bengal Secures 2-0 Victory Over Chennaiyin FC at Home
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Chennai, Dec 7 (NationPress) In a match that saw Chennaiyin FC control the early stages, they ultimately succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against East Bengal SC during their Indian Super League 2024-25 matchup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. The goals came from Vishnu P.V. in the 53rd minute and Jeakson Thaunaojam in the 83rd minute as a sharp East Bengal team capitalized on their opportunities in the second half.
Chennaiyin’s head coach Owen Coyle chose a midfield duo of Connor Shields and Lalrinliana Hnamte, with Lukas Brambilla positioned further up the field. In the attack, Daniel Chima Chukwu stepped in for Wilmar Jordan Gil, assisted by Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad.
Returning to their home fans after nearly a month, Chennaiyin started on a strong note. Shields created early trouble in the East Bengal penalty area with a threatening cross that resulted in a corner. From the ensuing set-piece, defender PC Laldinpuia directed a header right at the goalkeeper, marking Chennaiyin's first shot on target.
The Marina Machans kept pressing the East Bengal defense, with Chima Chukwu frequently breaching the backline. The Nigerian forward prompted a save at the half-hour mark and was denied a clear scoring chance shortly after when Anwar Ali’s challenge went unpunished by the referee.
After halftime, the hosts resumed with the same offensive mindset but found themselves trailing against the run of play in the 54th minute when Vishnu PV took advantage of a loose ball to score from close range, giving East Bengal the lead.
Desperate to equalize, Coyle made offensive substitutions, bringing on Vincy Barretto, Jordan Gil, and Gurkirat Singh just after the hour mark. However, despite their efforts, Chennaiyin couldn't find the back of the net. East Bengal cemented their victory in the 85th minute when Jeakson Singh struck a powerful shot from distance, leaving the home team with no chance of recovery.
The Marina Machans are eager to recover and provide their supporters with a reason to cheer when they face Hyderabad FC at home on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, East Bengal SC aims to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face Odisha SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday (December 12).
