Joseph Clemente stands in defense for Churchill Brothers against Chennaiyin FC in the Super Cup in Manjeri on April 15. Photo Credit: Sakir Hussain
It may have scored four goals in their opening match against fellow-ISL side NorthEast United, but Chennaiyin FC failed to score a goal against I-League side Churchill Brothers on Saturday. A goalless draw in the Group D match earned Churchill their first point in the Super Cup.
It was also a well-deserved point for the Goan side, who fought hard against their formidable opponent. It saved brilliantly to deny Chennaiyin any further. Joseph Clemente Churchill was the standout performer in defence.
Churchill were finally reduced to 10 men when Richard Costa was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Chennaiyin could not take advantage of this, just as it did not make up for all the chances created through the game or a very large percentage of possession (63).
Chennaiyin had 17 shots on goal (against Churchill’s seven) and got 10 corners (against five). It was indeed that kind of day for the Chennai team.
Right from the start, Akash Sangwan was making some dangerous moves for the Chennaiyin on the left. In the eighth minute, he played a great pass to Edwin Wanspoel, who failed to connect with it.
Although Churchill were forced to defend for most of the match, it also created some scoring opportunities, most notably for Ansumana Kromah. Poor finishing was one of the themes of the match.
Later, Northeast United defeated Mumbai City 2–1. The winners were ahead 1–0 at half time.
Result: drew with Chennaiyin FC 0 Churchill Brothers 0; Northeast United 2 (Wilmer Jordan Gill 32- pen & 50) bt Mumbai City 1 (Lalengmawia Ralte 85).