Chennaiyin FC held league leader Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
Pritam Kotal, making his Chennaiyin debut against his former side, featured prominently at right-back under the guidance of assistant coach Noel Wilson, standing in for head coach Owen Coyle. Both teams produced moments of promise, but neither could break the deadlock.
Chennaiyin opted for a high defensive line and ceded possession to Mohun Bagan in the opening half. The Mariners had the first clear opportunity in the 15th minute when Greg Stewart’s shot was blocked, and the rebound fell to Deepak Tangri, whose effort was comfortably saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz.
Chennaiyin’s best moment of the half came when Kiyan Nassiri dispossessed Subhasish Bose and set up Wilmar Jordan Gil. Although Gil evaded Tom Aldred, the Mohun Bagan defender recovered in time to block his shot. The host came closest to scoring in the 35th minute when Connor Shields’ cross found Gil, who rattled the upright with his effort.
Teenager Suhail Bhat showcased his flair just before halftime, leaving Elsinho trailing before firing a shot into the side net.
Mohun Bagan took control after the break, with Dimitrios Petratos nearly scoring from a free-kick that brushed the side netting. The Mariners’ pressure increased after substitutions introduced Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh, who added pace and dynamism to the attack.
Despite Chennaiyin’s struggles, Suhail Bhat had a chance to score from Ashish’s pass but failed to connect properly. The injury substitution of Chennaiyin full-back Vignesh Dakshinamurthy left the home side more exposed, but the Mariners couldn’t capitalize.
In the dying moments, Kotal almost scripted a dream debut against his former team, rising to meet Shields’ corner. However, his header was comfortably dealt with by Vishal Kaith, ensuring a goalless stalemate.
The result kept Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the top of the ISL standings with 37 points from 17 matches. Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, remains in 10th place, struggling with just points from as many games.
