On September 26, Thursday at at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, the Mohammedan Sporting defeated the Chennayin FC 1-0 and claimed their first ever Indian Super League victory. Lalremsanga Fanai netted the lone goal in the thrilling 99-minute match. (Highlights | More Football News)
It was a slow start and a commanding display from the hosts, Chennaiyin FC initially. Who could have predicted that the newcomers would seize the lead in the 39th minute?
However, it was, MSC's Lalremsanga Fanai who struck with a precise left-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the heart of the net. The Marina Machans' goalkeeper, Samik Mitra, could not make a back pass. And this allowed the White Brigade's forward to capitalize brilliantly on the chance that was meant to create history.
Fanai's strike was the only goal made in the CFC vs MSC match that featured 9 minutes of extra time thrill. However, it is worth noting that Connor Shields, the most dangerous man of the Chennayin FC, had several moments of brilliance. He nearly gave his side the lead in the fifth minute itself with a corner that was met by Irfan Yadwad. The hosts created more than ten chances, but none of them found the target.
The 22-year-old not only netted his first goal of the campaign but also recorded MSC's first score away. Last season, Fanai scored 8 goals during Mohammedan Sporting's successful I League 2023-24 campaign.
The Chennayin kicked off their ISL 2024-25 opener with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Odisha FC on September 14 at the Kalinga Stadium. On the other hand, the 2023-24 I-League winner Mohemmadan SC had a disappointing start to their first ISL campaign, suffering a 0-1 loss to North East United, followed by a 1-1 draw against Goa FC.
Nevertheless, now the Mohammedan SC have climbed to the fifth place in the ISL 2024-25 standings, pushing their rivals, Chennaiyin FC down to sixth.
Next up in their ISL fixtures, Chennaiyin FC will face Hyderabad FC in an away game on October 1. Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Kolkata Derby on October 5.
