Mohammedan Sporting snatch their first win in ISL

Defence lets CFC down in first loss
CHENNAI: During the pre-match press conference ahead of the Mohammedan Sporting clash, Chennaiyin FC's head coach Owen Coyle highlighted that defence was an area which needed improvement. By the end of Thursday, Coyle was proved right as the defence let him down at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Md Sporting snatched their maiden ISL victory.
Centre-back Laldinpuia's mistake in the 39th minute helped Md Sporting score the only goal of the match that came via a crisp finish from Lalremsanga Fanai.
While Chennaiyin showed moments of brilliance towards the end of the game, they conceded a penalty courtesy Laldinpuia, who had a pathetic game. Cesar Manzoki Lobi failed to convert the spotkick and Chennaiyin breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, in the third minute of stoppage time, Lukas Brambilla finished a quick counterattacking move, but his shot from inside the box was cleared off the goal line by the Md Sporting defence.
Earlier, CFC started the game by playing high-pressing football and looked potent in most of the moves. In-form midfielder Connor Shields combined well with striker Irfan Yadwad, but the latter failed to find the back of the net on multiple occasions. While CFC could not capitalise on most of the chances, Md Sporting seized on their opportunity which was gifted to them by Laldinpuia. Lack of communication between goalkeeper Samik Mitra and the defender resulted in Fanai's tapped left-footed finish from the centre of the box.
The goal boosted Md Sporting's confidence as they looked a far more settled side, while CFC were often left frustrated. The home side looked desperate in the second half as Coyle made four changes inside the first 20 minutes. The Kolkata giants' defence, though, stood resolute and it was a disappointing end for CFC, who played their first home match in front of a 9000-plus partisan crowd.