AFC Cup 2019, Chennaiyin FC vs Colombo FC: 5 Talking Points 

Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC secured their spot in the group stage of the 2019 AFC Cup after a 1-0 win aggregate win over Sri Lankan side Colombo FC
Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC secured their spot in the group stage of the 2019 AFC Cup after a 1-0 win aggregate win over Sri Lankan side Colombo FC

#2 - Mailson provides solidity to the consistent Sabia

Club captain Mailson Alves has been one of the key under-performers for Chennaiyin FC this season (Image Courtesy: ISL
Club captain Mailson Alves has been one of the key under-performers for Chennaiyin FC this season (Image Courtesy: ISL)

Club captain Mailson Alves has been one of the key under-performers for Chennaiyin FC this season. As a result, their defence which was a championship caliber one last year has been drastically below par this season.

Brazilian Eli Sabia has been the best defender for Chennaiyin this season, but Mailson played well very well in this game getting to crucial interceptions and clearances at the right time.

Colombo FC had some physically strong and muscular players like Isaac Adewu and Mailson had a very good all-round game and managed to keep these players quiet for large portions of the match.

Any goal in this game for Colombo would have proven doubly valuable thanks to the away goals rule.

Any slip up could have proved costly especially after Chennaiyin FC scored. A late equalizer to make it 1-1 would have sent the Marina Machans packing out of the tournament.

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