ISL | Chukwu is Chennayin’s hero against Punjab

Late tap-in by Daniel Chukwu secures Chennaiyin FC's 2-1 victory over Punjab FC in ISL match.

A neat tap-in by Nigeria’s Daniel Chukwu late in the second half earned Chennaiyin FC a 2-1 win over Punjab FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Nehru Stadium here on Saturday. It was just the second victory in 10 matches for Chennaiyin at home.

It was a fierce contest which saw both teams fighting tooth and nail. While the first half largely belonged to Chennaiyin the second saw the visitor create better chances, especially in added time.

The host scored the opening goal in the first half through a penalty. A thrown-in by Chennaiyin’s Vignesh saw Melroy Assisi handling the ball, resulting in the referee indicating to the spot. Wilmar Jordan did the rest.

Punjab levelled the scores early in the second session, thanks to a deft and exquisite left-footed touch by Luka Majcen. A superb pass saw by Pulga Vidal saw the the Slovenian angle the ball in.

Chukwu, who came as a substitute with hardly 15 minutes left, turned out to the hero for Chennaiyin with a fine touch with his left foot.

The visitor didn’t throw in the towel and created many chances from the right wing with some teasing crosses by Muhammad Suhail, but none of the forwards could finish it. Majcen’s shot was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz in added time. Later, Nawaz jumped high to put away a searing long-ranger by Pulga Vidal.

The result: Chennaiyin FC 2 (Wilmar Jordan 19-pen, Daniel Chukwu 84) bt Punjab FC 1 (Luka Majcen 48).