Kalinga Super Cup 2024: Chennaiyin FC loses 0-1 to Mumbai City FC
Chennaiyin FC suffered a 0-1 defeat to Mumbai City FC in their final Group 'C' match of the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup
New Delhi: Chennaiyin FC suffered a 0-1 defeat to Mumbai City FC in their final Group 'C' match of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. Hmingthanmawia Ralte (26th minute) scored the only goal of the match when he headed in a cross from Yoell Van Nieff's free kick for the Islanders.
Demonstrating their attacking intentions from the start, Chennaiyin FC started the match in the opening minutes and came close to scoring the opening goal in the 11th minute.
Rafael Crivellaro played a precise through ball to Connor Shields, who managed to get past the Mumbai City defense, but his shot was saved by opposition goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
The Marina Machans continued to pose a significant threat and had another chance in front of goal in the 18th minute when Crivellaro's cross was headed just wide by Jordan Murray.
Despite the flurry of attacks from Chennaiyin, it was Mumbai City FC that broke the deadlock in the game in the 23rd minute when Hmingthanmawia Ralte converted Yoell Van Nieff's floating cross into the box with a header following a free kick.
Owen Coyle's side started the second half with renewed energy and came close to an equalizer just after half-time when Crivellaro had two chances within a minute.
The Brazilian's first attempt was a header from a cross from the right flank, followed by a left-footed shot from long range, both of which narrowly missed the target.
Chennaiyin continued the hunt for an equalizer and in the 59th minute, Shields' sharp cross was perfectly answered by Murray, but his header was saved by Lachenpa.
The 26-year-old forward placed another accurate ball into the penalty area in the 79th minute, this time for Irfan Yadwad, but the Mumbai City FC shot-stopper once again came to his side's rescue.
With four points from three matches, Chennaiyin FC ended their Kalinga Super Cup campaign by finishing second in their group.