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In the first match of a busy Sunday, FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC played out a rather drab affair at the Balewadi Sports Complex. Both teams failed to impress but the Super Machans managed a winner nine minutes from time through Sereno Henrique which ultimately stopped the brilliant winning run of the Stallions.
FC Pune City looked jaded in the second half, playing their fourth game in 11 days. Ranko Popovic conceded that his players lacked energy in the second half and were mentally tired. "We lacked the power to put in a great shift on the night but I'm proud of the boys for giving their all to the cause. Football is a cruel game as we deserved at least something from this match," revealed the disappointed Pune boss.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC manager John Gregory was ecstatic with the late winner and praised his defenders for keeping yet another clean sheet. His side were criticized by many for a defensive approach to the game but he was quick to respond.
Gregory reflected, "We came here for three points and we got that fair and square. The goal by Sereno was worthy of winning any game. I agree that we could not play as we should have but it was our first game in 10 days and it took us time to find our rhythm. This was our worst performance in the three games that we played but we got three points and that's all that matters."
Gregory was buoyed by his defensive unit's achievement on the night as he maintained that keeping the likes of Marcelino and Emiliano Alfaro was Chennaiyin FC's biggest achievement. He also said that his side deserve a pat on the back for keeping a clean sheet against the joint top scorers of the ISL.
For the visitors, Jeje Lalpekhlua had a game to forget as he could not influence the proceedings in any possible way. But Gregory was quick to come his striker's rescue as he said, "I thought Jeje had his best game this season. He worked very hard and ran for lost causes throughout the match. We couldn't give him proper service but he did his job well."
Meanwhile, FC Pune City boss, Popovic revealed that the front trio of Marcelino, Emiliano Alfaro and Diego Carlos were all doubtful heading into today's game. The trio had not trained for the past three days but the management took a call on them at the last moment. Also, the duo of Rohit Kumar and Kamaljit Singh missed today's game through illness.
The Stallions now have a full week's rest before they travel to Jamshedpur to face the league's new boys at their home. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC play their next game on Thursday - a home encounter against ATK.
