Chennaiyin FC ended their AFC Cup 2019 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win in the final group match over Manang Marshyangdi at the ANFA complex in Nepal on Wednesday. The win was, however, not enough to see the former Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions through to the knockout phase of the competition, as Abahani Dhaka won three points and secured top position in Group E after a 1-0 over Minerva Punjab FC in the other group fixture.

Nevertheless, John Gregory will be mightily pleased with the performance of his players throughout the six group matches, of which they won three, lost only one and earned 11 points. They ended as the second-placed team, two points behind Abahani’s total of 13.

The Englishman made four changes to the team from the last outing, bringing in striker Mohammed Rafi, defender Eli Sabia, winger Thoi Singh and debutant Reamsochung Aimol at right-back. The intent was quite evident from the first minute, although the rusty nature of the field meant that the players needed a few minutes to get used to it.

The Marina Machans pressed high and tried to put pressure on the Manang defence, who insisted on playing out from the back. There weren’t many chances at either end in the first half, with Rafi squandering, what was perhaps Chennaiyin’s best gateway to a goal in the first 45. Jerry Lalrinzuala also had a pop of his own late in the half, but his effort was easily saved by the Manang keeper.

Seven minutes into the second 45, Rafi made up for his error by heading in an Anirudh Thapa cross. The scoreline was doubled around ten minutes later as Sabia, who was returning from suspension, played a neat one-two with Rafi and tapped the ball in from close range.

However, complacency soon set in and led to the home team coming back into the match courtesy of striker Afeez Olawale Oladipo. Eight minutes later, the forward doubled his and Manang’s tally to leave the Marina Machans in a precarious position with only ten minutes remaining on the clock.

Rafi though had other plans. He struck again at the 88th minute as he converted a rebound after Isaac Vanmalsawma’s freekick was chested down and hit against the upright by defender Mailson Alves.