Football

ISL: Chennaiyin FC peaking at the right time

There was a time when Chennaiyin FC’s qualification for the semifinals of the ongoing season of the Indian Super League looked improbable.

They had just two wins from their first 10 matches and hence, were lurking in the bottom half of the table at that point of time.

However, things started changing for them since the match against Hyderabad FC and they are sitting at the fifth spot of the table now with a total of seven wins from the 16 matches they have played so far.

So, Chennaiyin are unbeaten in their last six games having won five and drawn one. Their 3-1 win over ATK at Kolkata on Sunday was also their third away win on the trot and such a splendid run of form has now put them back in contention for a semifinal berth once again.

Chennaiyin are now placed fifth in the League table with 25 points to their name and a net goal difference of nine. With FC Goa, ATK and Bengaluru having already qualified for the semifinals, Chennaiyin are now in a battle with Mumbai City FC who are currently holding on to the fourth spot for now with 29 points to their name.

However, Chennaiyin could snatch that slot away as they have two games left whereas Mumbai has only one to play. And Mumbai’s only remaining match is against Chennaiyin FC which is scheduled to be held at the Mumbai Football Arena on February 21.


So, Chennaiyin could go one step closer to the semifinals when they take Mumbai on in this match. A win here will reduce their four-point difference from Mumbai to a deficit of just one point, and that point would be all Chennaiyin would need in their last League match against NorthEast United to progress into the semifinals on account of a better goal difference.

A loss, or even a draw, in the forthcoming match against Mumbai could bring curtains down on Chennaiyin’s semifinal hopes though. However, they have been in sensational form of late whereas Mumbai would be coming into this match on the back of a 2-5 drubbing at the hands of FC Goa.

Moreover, Chennaiyin have a lot of players who have peaked just at the right time for them. Nerijus Valskis is their top scorer at the moment with 13 goals to his name. He has supplied four assists on top of that as well. Rafael Crivellaro has flourished both in scoring and creative roles. He has seven goals and six assists to his name this season.

Lalrinzuala Chhangte has made his presence felt with four goals whereas Andre Schembri has contributed with five goals and three assists as well. If their contributions aren’t enough, even Anirudh Thapa stepped up in their last game against ATK with two assists to take his season tally to five assists.

So, all these players have struck form when their team needed them the most and in the process have helped Chennaiyin FC to peak at the right time. They have momentum on their side now and thus will be eager book their berth in the semifinals with superlative performances in the remaining couple of matches.

 

 

Written by: Prasenjit Dey

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post

Recent Posts

Harbhajan Singh suggests India’s playing 11 changes after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Kuldeep Yadav’s selection in the second Test match… Read More

June 25, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar suggests India’s playing 11 changes after loss in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, backs Kuldeep Yadav to replace Shardul Thakur

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar wants Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the second Test playing XI… Read More

June 25, 2025

Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav for 2nd Test against England

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu believes India should make changes to their bowling line-up… Read More

June 25, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton on playing with calf strain: ‘I’d do it again’

Indiana Pacers talisman Tyrese Haliburton has no regrets on playing with calf strain in the… Read More

June 25, 2025

Luka Modric agrees to sign for AC Milan after Club World Cup

Croatian veteran midfielder Luka Madrid has agreed to sign with Italian giants AC Milan after… Read More

June 25, 2025

Andy Roddick says beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final launched Rafael Nadal into an all-time great

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick said beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final catapulted… Read More

June 25, 2025