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TRAU defeat for Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ in final Second Division League match

Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team (Photo courtesy: Chennaiyin FC)

The Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team ended their debut Second Division League campaign with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium here today. Albeit ending on a losing note, it was a campaign of learning and development for the ‘B’ team boys whose average age is a mere 18 years.

Chennaiyin ‘B’ made five changes to the side that lost to Bengaluru FC ‘B’ in their previous outing – Samik Mitra in place of Sayak Barai in goal, Mohammed Sarif Khan and Reamsochung ‘Remy’ Aimol replacing Charles Britto and Ajin Tom respectively in defence, and Lalliansanga Renthlei and Zonunmawia instead of Abhishek Nair and Bibin Boban respectively in midfield.

CFC ‘B’ began well in the heavy Imphal rain, controlling possession in the middle of the park. Remy made inroads from the left flank as captain Prosenjit Chakraborty pulled the strings in midfield. Chennaiyin strikers Aman Chetri and B. Rohmingthanga consistently found space behind the TRAU defence, allowing the likes of Prosenjit to venture forward from midfield and test the opposition backline. The skipper struck the upright with a stinging shot before narrowly missing the target on a separate occasion as CFC had TRAU on the ropes. Only the end product eluded the visitors.

But against the run of play, TRAU took the lead as the CFC defence was caught cold by a cross from the left, which Reisangmei Vashum did well to head down, the ball finding the back of the net through an onrushing Samik’s legs. Chennaiyin tried to hit back immediately but their finishing continued to falter as it ended 1-0 to TRAU at the break.

The Manipuri side grew into the game in the second period and began testing the CFC defence. Wing-backs Hendry Antonay and Remy were having a good game on the flanks as TRAU took the game to CFC by pushing higher up the pitch. Chennaiyin were lacking the composure from the first period as they gave the ball away in crucial areas of the pitch.

Chennaiyin’s resistance was eventually broken in the final ten minutes, as three quickfire goals from Soraisham Sandeep Singh, Malemnganba Meitei and Shaikhom Ronald Singh sealed it for TRAU. CFC striker Aman Chetri was given his marching orders in the closing stages after he picked up his second yellow card of the afternoon, as his side lost 4-0.

It was an unfortunate end to the Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team’s Second Division League journey in their debut season as they finished bottom of Group C with 6 points from their 10 games. CFC’s two wins came against Langsning FC and Mohammedan Sporting at home as TRAU went top of the table after this win.

Despite the results, it was an enriching experience for the CFC ‘B’ squad which has an average age of 18 years. The experience of playing against senior professional teams from different parts of the country will aid their all-round development and help them improve and do better next season.

(Chennaiyin FC)