Chennaiyin FC’s winless run in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 was extended to four games after a 0-0 draw against Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday. It was a match of few chances and neither team managed to make the most of their limited opportunities. 

• Chennaiyin had more possession but couldn’t make it count by scoring a goal in the first half.
• The second half saw both sides defend resolutely with attackers finding it difficult to get going.

Both teams looked to take the game to the opposition from the outset without managing to create much in terms of clear-cut chances. Chennaiyin enjoyed more possession and territory as the half wore on but couldn’t register any shots on target for most of the opening period. That said, the Marina Machans were the more threatening side as the match approached the halftime break.  

However, it was Odisha that put the ball in the back of the net in the 42nd minute courtesy of Diego Mauricio. The Brazilian headed home a well-executed ball forward but the linesman raised his flag for offside. Rahim Ali then registered Chennaiyin’s first shot on target in first half stoppage time. His shot from distance, though, was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

The Marina Machans also came agonizingly close to going in front with the last kick of the half when Jakub Sylvestr attempted an improvised finish at the near post off a cross from the right. The Slovakian’s shot seemed destined to be a goal, but Odisha’s goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh made a crucial save to keep it goalless at the break.

Odisha registered the first shot on target in the second half when Jerry Mawihmingthanga’s attempt at guiding a cross from the right towards goal went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Chennaiyin then had a golden chance of going ahead in the 71st minute when Steven Taylor missed a ball forward by the southerners and that resulted in Rahim finding himself through on goal.

The Indian forward’s shot though failed to test Arshdeep and touched the outside of the near post on its way out for a goal-kick. Odisha responded with a shot on target through Nandhakumar Sekar, who tested the goalkeeper after the ball came to him from a half-cleared corner.

The final 10 minutes of the match saw the two-time champions finish the game stronger. They pushed men forward in attack and put crosses into the penalty box relentlessly in search of a late goal. However, Odisha kept their shape and discipline to thwart Chennaiyin’s advances and hold on for a hard-fought point.

Hero of the Match – Lallianzuala Chhangte

In a match that saw defenders dominate the proceedings, Lallianzuala Chhangte was one of the biggest attacking threats in the contest. The Indian winger’s explosive runs forward ensured that Jacob Tratt couldn’t bomb forward from right-back at will. Chhangte created one chance for his teammates, made two successful tackles and attempted three shots at goal.

Other Match Awards:

Club Award – Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Reagan Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

Watch the Match Highlights here: