Chennai: Chennaiyin FC registered their first win of the ongoing season of the Indian Super League (ISL) in dramatic fashion after edging past Hyderabad FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Monday.
After seeing poor finishing hamper them for the most part of the game, Chennaiyin thought they had the winner when Andre Schembri (90+2′) put them ahead in injury time. Three minutes later, Hyderabad equalised through Matthew Kilgallon (90+5′), but Nerijus Valskis sealed a sensational win seconds later, bringing the roof down in the stadium.
The win saw Chennaiyin leapfrog Hyderabad to the ninth spot while the ISL debutants suffered their fourth defeat in five games.
The game got off to a scrappy start with neither side being able to assert themselves in a frantic opening period. Chances fell for Chennaiyin, but poor decision-making meant the scores remained level.
Rafael Crivellaro and Lallianzuala Chhangte found a lot of joy in the final third, often bypassing a disorganised Hyderabad midfield with ease. Chhangte was sent clear on three opportunities by Rafael, but each time the final delivery let the diminutive winger down.
Chennaiyin coach John Gregory was left fuming after Chhangte sent a close-range header agonisingly wide.
