Super-subs seal the deal for CFC

CHENNAI: It wasn't easy for Chennaiyin FC (CFC) to make a comeback after suffering a massive 2-6 defeat against Mumbai City FC last Saturday.
But Thomas Brdaric's boys, despite missing the services of four injured frontline players – skipper Anirudh Thapa, Narayan Das, Rahim Ali and Jiteshwor Singh – made a turnaround to brush aside Jamshedpur FC 3-1 in their sixth match of the Indian Super League at the JL Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
Credit goes to super subs – Vincy Baretto and Abdenasser El Khayati – who scored late in the second half to help the local favourties garner full points. It was Chennaiyin's first home win of the season. With Saturday's victory, Chennaiyin moved to fifth spot with 10 points from 6 matches. On the other hand, Jamshedpur, who have lost three games on the trot, are placed ninth with four points from six games.
Chennaiyin coach Brdaric decided to include Jockson Dhas, Sajal Bag and Sourav Das in the starting XI. Iranian defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi, who was serving one-match suspension, returned to lead the Chennaiyin defence.
The hosts started off with their trademark attacking style of play but couldn't get an early breakthrough. Both the sides tried their best to score and Jamshedpur, who are also riddled with injuries, managed to create some chances early on but Chennaiyin looked better in counterattacks. CFC drew the first blood in the 27th minute when their Sarajevo-born forward Petar Sliskovic found the target with a perfect header as the first half ended 1-0.
Jamshedpur struck back in the 76th minute as Ishan Pandita, on receiving a ball from Harry Sawyer inside the box, took a brilliant volley to level the score. But Jamshedpur's happiness was cut short by Chennaiyin's Baretto, who scored immediately after replacing Prasanth Karuthadathkuni in the 77th minute. Nasser sent a cross from the left targeting Baretto, whose right-footer from a tight angle made it 2-1.
The final nail in Jamshedpur coffin was hammered by Nasser. Julius Duker sent the ball through to Nasser who sidestepped a JFC defender and their goalie to slot the ball into an open net.