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Chennaiyin FC U-18s suffer first defeat of the season

Chennaiyin FC U-18 team (Photo courtesy: Chennaiyin FC)

The Chennaiyin FC U-18 team suffered its first defeat in the U-18 Youth League, losing by a 3-0 margin to Ozone Group FC at the SSN College Ground here today. Second-half goals from Umashankar, Manvir Singh and Ajay Alex A. giving the side from Bengaluru a hard-fought victory.

The Chennaiyin FC boys came into this game with an unbeaten run, having drawn 1-1 against the same opposition in their previous outing almost a month back on January 15, 2018 in Bengaluru. The first half turned out be an even contest with chances coming at a premium for both sides. After a cagey first 30 minutes, Chennaiyin center-back Lalliansanga Renthlei almost found the back of the net with a brilliant header from a set-piece, but for a good save from the Ozone goalkeeper Gunashekhar M. CFC striker S. Ravinder then had a decent opportunity to test the opposition keeper, but to no avail as the first-half ended goalless.

Ozone came out stronger and took the lead through a goal from Umashankar after some good build-up play. CFC tried to fight back but conceded again on 64 minutes, with Manvir Singh doubling Ozone’s lead from close range. Chennaiyin captain Lalliansanga was then sent off for a second bookable offence, before Ozone skipper Ajay Alex made it 3-0 in the closing stages.

This was the CFC U-18s’ first defeat of the season, having drawn against Ozone previously after three wins in a row that included doing the double over Chennai City FC and beating RV Soccer School in an away fixture. Their objective will be to get back to winning ways when they take on Bengaluru FC on Friday 16th February 2018 at the SSN College Ground at 4 PM.

(Chennaiyin FC)