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Chennaiyin FC survived a tense encounter against FC Pune City to qualify for the Indian Super League play-offs with a 1-0 victory. Jeje Lalpekhlua slotted home in the 64th minute as Chennaiyin FC edged out FC Pune City by a solitary goal, thus extending their campaign in the second Hero Indian Super League, at the Balewadi sports complex on Saturday.
Earlier, Marco Materazzi brought about four changes to his side, including Mailson Alves, Manuele Blasi, Harmanjot Khabra and Elano in the starting eleven, while David Platt who is well known for his changes, made five changes to the side with Steve Simonsen, Gurjinder Singh, Fanai Lamrempuia, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Yendrick Ruiz in the playing eleven.
The last encounter at this venue failed to come up with good soccer, as the game was confined to mid field soccer, with some glimpses of attacks. The teams made full use of the substitution as the team utilised the entire quota.
First Half: A tense and tight encounter with few chances
Pune were in the pick of action soon after the kick off, and came near scoring when Adrian Mutu’s corner kick was palmed by keeper Edel Edima. The ball went straight to Gurjinder Singh inside the box and his volley was well kept away by Armenian custodian.
On the other side the Pune keeper came up with a brilliant save. Stiven Mendoza slammed home a left footer, and Simonsen fisted the ball away.
In the 27th minute of play, Pune’s James Bailey became the first casualty when he and Mendoza collided and the former dislocated his left right shoulder and was replaced by Dutchman Wesley Verhoek.
There was a tussle between Roger Johnson and Mendonza when Edel's kick, which was aimed for Mendoza was header clear by the Englishman, Johnson. Mendoza broke free on a counter and was fouled by Govin. He came back to remonstrate but Johnson intercepted their potential coming together. This only served to infuriate the Colombian who then proceeded to get into a tussle with the centre-back.
In the 43rd minute, Elano got away from Govin Singh and his right footed shot aimed towards the far post was kept out by the alert Simonsen who fisted the ball away.
Despite these events, the first half proceedings were slow overall, a clear indication they the teams placed safe.
Second Half: Chennaiyin break the deadloack and hang on to qualify
Chennaiyin were ahead in the 64th minute. It was Mendoza played it to Jeje whose left footed shot came off defender Govin Singh and off the rebound Jeje slotted home.
There were quite a few attacks by either side in the second half, which saw the keepers come up with some spectacular saves, especially Steven Simonsen, the Pune keeper who was outstanding under the bars. On the other hand Apoula Edima Edel too had his share as he also came up with his brilliance.
With this win, Chennai have 22 points and a place in the play-offs of the Indian Super League, while it was a disappointing exit for David Platt and his boys as they failed to add to their points tally of 15 which they have been stationed at for over five games. Marco Materazzi would be particularly pleased to qualify as his stomed into the final playoff spot with a late run of victories. Chennaiyin will hope to have a better semi-final tie than last season, where they exited the competition in a heart-breaking manner.
