He was a major contributor to the Chennaiyin FC attacking force in the first edition of the Hero Indian Super League [ISL], scoring four goals for the team. Ahead of the second season, he had hoped to replicate that robust form and he did just that when he became his team’s first goal-scorer against defending champions Atlético de Kolkata on Saturday night. However, Jeje Lalpekhlua was not a happy man - because his team lost 3-2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

“I’d like to thank the fans. But I feel sorry for them, you know, since it was our home game today. But I want to assure them that we’ll always be gunning for those three points every match,” Jeje said after the match.

Jeje is an integral part of the India national team and his services have been effectively utilised in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Once he is away on national duty, a massive void would have to be filled by his team-mates.

“It’s always good to play for the national side. And I hope to give nothing but my 100%. As for Chennaiyin FC, I’m lucky that I get to play in the first XI. Also, most of my team-mates are quality players. Balwant [Singh], [Stiven] Mendoza – there are many others who could take up my position,” Jeje said.

Jeje seemed to get a bit more hopeful with each passing breath. “I scored my first goal today, yet I’m not happy, you know, about missing out on the three points. We will get better though,” he said.