Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC recorded a dominant 3-1 win as they came from behind to defeat Hyderabad FC in the Durand Cup 2023 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.

Chinglensana Singh scored from the spot (4’) but an Alex Saji own goal (6’) along with goals Connor Shields (15’) and Jordan Murray (46’) sealed the three points for the Machans on the night.

Sana scored after Hitesh Sharma won the early penalty at the end of a Sahil Tavora corner while Aaren D’Silva, Mark Zothanpuia and Aron Vanlalrinchhana managed to create a few decent half chances in attack.

But Alex with a sliced clearance and Anuj Kumar with a simple giveaway at the back helped Chennai come back from behind to secure a narrow lead going into the break.

The lead was doubled right after the restart as Murray was set free from Ayush Adhikari’s pass over the top made no mistake one-on-one with the keeper.

The two goal lead proved a bit too tough for HFC to crawl back even as the likes of Ramhlunchhunga and Mohammad Yasir added some attacking impetus later in the game.

Nim Dorjee, Manoj Mohammad, Sajad Parray and Danmawia, who came off the bench, all stuck to their task but it was Chennai who ran away with all three points on the night.

This leaves HFC at the bottom of Group E with just a point from their first two games,

Chennaiyin FC will be back in action when they take on Tribhuvan Army FC in the final Group E game of the current edition of the Durand Cup on Tuesday.

Punjab FC, Bangladesh Army FC share spoils in goalless draw

ISL side Punjab FC were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh Army Football Team (BAFT) played out a goalless draw in Thursday’s second Durand Cup fixture at the Vivekananda Bharati Yuba Krirangan in Kolkata.

Punjab FC’s search for a win in the tournament continues after they suffered a defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their opening game. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army Football Team now have two points from two games after registering a draw against East Bengal FC.

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis made as many as eight changes to his starting eleven from their defeat to Mohun Bagan SG. His team dominated the game throughout, but were unable to convert their chances.

The first big chance of the game fell to Daniel Lalhimpuia, whose shot was saved by Bangladesh Army Football Team keeper Ashraful Rana. Lalhimpuia had another opportunity moments later, only to be denied by Rana again.

Bangladesh Army Football Team continued to defend with intent after the break. Punjab FC brought on talismanic striker Luja Majcen in a bid to break the deadlock, but the Slovenian hardly received the service he would have desired.

Vergetis' side pushed hard for a goal, but were not able to breach the opposition defence, who defended as a unit. The Shers will hope to put on a better show in front of goal and secure their first win when they face East Bengal FC on Wednesday.

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