Liton Shil’s wonder strike in the first half helped the Indian Army Football Team secure all three points against Chennaiyin FC in a Group D encounter of the 133rd Durand Cup which was played here at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. With this win, the Indian Army moves to second place in the group for the time being behind Jamshedpur FC who have a better goal difference.
Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Noel Wilson named a young line up which was mix of ISL squad members and players from the reserves side. Indian Army Head Coach Manish Wahi named an experienced starting line up retaining the core of the squad which won the 2023-24 Santhosh Trophy led by the impressive Liton Shil and Samir Murmu leading the attack line.
The Army men used their experience to full use against the young Chennaiyin side pressing high up the pitch and not allowing the ISL side to settle down. They also dominated possession of the ball building attacks from defence with Liton Shil, Samir Murmu and Rahul Ramakrishnan finding space in the Chennaiyin box but with most attempts taken outside the box, Chennaiyin keeper Samik Mitra was not troubled much.
The first real chance came in the way of Liton Shil who found space inside the box, but the striker’s attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper. On the other end, Chennaiyin striker Irfan Yadwad cut a lone figure in attack with both wingers Vincy Barretto and Komal Thatal being neutralised by the Army defence.
Indian Army took a deserved lead in the 42nd minute through a wonder strike by Liton Shil whose long-range effort found the top corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.
Indian Army stepped up the attack from the beginning of the second half and created chances at will to double the lead. Lethaolen Khongsai was denied by an acrobatic save by Samik Mitra after he was set up by Samir Murmu and minutes later Alan Thapa missed a tap-in from a pinpoint cross from the right wing. The Army men continued attacking the Chennaiyin box and this time S.K Premkumar’s long ranger rattled the crossbar and the rebound was poked wide by Samir Murmu.
Chennaiyin came back into the game at the hour mark, against a very physical Indian Army side to create goal-scoring opportunities. Irfan Yadwad tested Army goalkeeper Bhabindra Thakuri with a left-footed shot which went close. R. Vishal had the best chance to equalise for The Marina Machans, but the forward fluffed a free header which went wide off the goal.
Chennaiyin did find more chances to equalise but could not find the composure to put the finishing touches. Romario Jesuraj missed a sitter from inside the six-yard box, as a cross from the left wing fell into his path but the wingback lashed his shot over the post.
The Army men saw off the rest of the game without much trouble to seal all three points.
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