In a match that promised fireworks but delivered only frustration, Chennaiyin FC played out a 0-0 draw with Mohammedan SC at home in the Indian Super League 2026. The hosts controlled the game from start to finish at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, yet failed to convert dominance into victory points.
Chennaiyin burst out of the blocks, with Klusener’s early cross forcing a corner. Kawu’s header from a free-kick was a whisker away from opening the scoring. Nawaz proved Mohammedan’s hero, diving full-stretch to tip Mondal’s rasping shot around the post in the 29th minute. Chennaiyin hit back immediately, Chima lurking dangerously at the end of Imran’s deliveries.
Klusener’s injury midway through the half brought Desai into the fray. Laldinpuia headed wastefully wide from a corner, while Renthlei’s menacing cross following Imran’s backheel was desperately blocked. Both teams traded blows, but the interval arrived without goals.
Post-breakfast, Chennaiyin ramped up the intensity. Laldinliana terrorized the wings, feeding dangerous balls into the box. Imran’s vision unlocked Chima for a bicycle kick attempt that cleared the bar. Teen sensation Prakadeshwaran lit up the pitch upon entry, slicing inside for a audacious far-post strike.
Irfan was a constant thorn, deceiving defenders and drawing a contentious non-penalty decision. His later cross found Chima unmarked, only for the striker to sky his finish. Mohammedan threatened sporadically through counters, but Chennaiyin’s backline stood resolute. Late chances for Bemamar and Prakadeshwaran summed up the hosts’ profligacy.
Chennaiyin’s inability to finish cost them dearly. Eyes now turn to the trip to Jamshedpur FC on April 25, where redemption awaits.
