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The Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat at the hands of Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC in a Second Division League encounter at the SSN College Ground in Chennai today. After going ahead through Zonunmawia, Chennaiyin FC conceded either side of half-time and were unable to recover from the deficit.
The boys in blue made two changes following their defeat to Bengaluru FC ‘B’ last time out. Bibin Boban and Joysana Singh came into the starting eleven in place of Lalliansanga Renthlei and Bedashwor Singh.
Both teams cancelled each other out in a cagey opening few minutes. Chennaiyin FC striker B. Rohmingthanga was a threat with his forays into the TRAU box from the right flank but the end product was lacking. The visitors from Imphal tried hard to break through the Chennaiyin FC ranks but the home defence stood resolute.
Chennaiyin FC then took the lead just past the half-hour mark through a wonderful team goal. Skipper Prosenjit Chakraborty’s pass found Rohmingthanga’s darting run at the edge of the box, who then played a perfectly weighted pass to winger Joysana Singh. Joysana took the ball to the byline and squared it towards the penalty spot, where Zonunmawia was waiting to side-foot home Chennaiyin FC’s opener.
The hosts continued to play with poise after going ahead but a moment of inexperience lead to TRAU’s equaliser just before the break. Princewill Emeka, TRAU’s Nigerian forward drove at a Chennaiyin FC defence that kept backing away. Emeka went on to unleash a fierce strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
TRAU began the second period strongly, with Ngangbam Naocha’s surging run 30 seconds after the restart resulting in a brilliant diving save by Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ keeper Sayak Barai. And TRAU’s constant pressure in the ensuing period paid off in the 53rd minute when Laishram Milan Singh flicked the visitors into the lead after a low-cross from the right.
Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ almost drew level on 77 minutes after Joseph Lalsanglura won a free-kick outside the TRAU box on the right wing. The ball fell to Chennaiyin FC left-back Hendry Antonay in the middle of the penalty area, his stinging first-time volley clattering off the crossbar.
Syed Suhail Pasha came on in place of Prosenjit and caused some discomfort in the TRAU ranks but the team from Imphal held on to run out 2-1 winners.
Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ play their next game against Jamshedpur FC Reserves on Sunday, April 15 at 4pm at the SSN College Ground, Chennai.
