ISL: Chennaiyin FC End Eight-game Winless Streak With Victory Over East Bengal

After a convincing 2-0 victory against East Bengal FC on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Chennaiyin FC ended their eight-game losing run in the Indian Super League (ISL). The Marina Machans took the lead after a Lalchungnunga own goal, and with two games left, Rahim Ali's late goal helped them pull ahead of the Torch Bearers by five points. After just three minutes of play, Chennaiyin FC nearly scored the game's first goal by playing aggressively. The crossbar was hit by Diagne's volley after Akash Sangwan's corner made its way between the defence and goalie. In the first half, Vincy Barretto had a couple chances. First, he diverted a low cross from Karikari across the face of an After a few minutes, nothing.After a magnificent run at the conclusion of the first half, he forced Kamaljit Singh to make a save at the near post. East Bengal FC's first meaningful effort of the game took them thirty minutes to record. Clément Silva In the final third, Jake Jervis, Naorem Singh, and Suhair VP all participated in a deft one-touch passing move before Suhair rippled the outside of the goal. A few minutes later, Jervis pounced on a long ball and narrowly missed the far post with his shot. When Abdnasser El Khayati left the field holding his hamstring and was replaced by Jiteshwor Singh, the hosts suffered a setback. After being replaced, Jervis almost scored again, but this time his header off Diagne missed the post as the first half drew to a conclusion with the score still tied.

The 48th minute saw Chennaiyin FC take the lead. Anirudh Thapa on the left wing received a free kick from Julius Duker that was swiftly taken. Lalchungnunga, who was being pressed by Karikari, unintentionally sent the midfielder's cross into the goal.Just minutes after the tie was broken, Barretto, who was still without a goal, nearly scored. When taking a free kick, Kamaljit fell, and the ball went straight to Barretto. The winger changed his stance and sent a long shot at goal, but he was unable to give it enough curl to concern Kamaljit. In the final three minutes, Kamaljit rushed out of his box to attempt to outrun Barretto to the ball. The winger remained down as Rahim Ali pounced on it, sprinted towards the goal, around the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball home to give the Marina Machans the victory. Despite being eliminated from the playoff chase, Chennaiyin FC will still aim to end the season on a positive note.Next up is a visit to FC Goa, a playoff candidate, on February 16. East Bengal FC will turn their attention to a difficult test against Mumbai City FC on February 19 in order to end their losing streak against Chennai FC.