'He did this for people of his country': CFC coach Thomas Brdaric on Vafa's goal celebration

The coach also lauded the mentality of his side in their dominant win over East Bengal.

Vafa Hakhamaneshi's headed goal proved to be the difference between East Bengal FC and Chennaiyin FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The visitors rode on the Iranian's goal and put in a sturdy performance to overcome the home team. As a result, Thomas Brdaric's side get into fifth place and are only three points off the top spot.

The scoreline might suggest a rather close game. But it is a rather contradictory story considering how much Thomas Brdaric's men dominated the game from start to finish. They had 60% of the possession and attempted and completed more than double the number of passes made by Stephen Constantine's men.

Brdaric's men saw Vafa Hakhamaneshi sent off in the second half for his goal celebration. But, they looked set to get the win against an East Bengal side that lacked any bite in attack.

Eventually, their efforts bore fruit as the visitors walked away with a deserved three points on the night. Interestingly, Chennaiyin FC have won all six points they had on offer in Kolkata following tonight's win. They had earlier beaten ATK Mohun Bagan in their opening game. Post the game, Chennaiyin FC's head coach Thomas Brdaric shared his thoughts on the performance.

A satisfying win

The performance would've delighted head coach Thomas Brdaric, especially after their abject loss at home to FC Goa in the previous game. When asked about the win and the prospect of three more points in the bag, the German said, "We are back on track. I am very happy for my players to get these three points.

"It helps us with the upcoming games as well. We remained concentrated for the game and did well with the ball. So I am very satisfied with the performance."

Chennaiyin FC kept their first clean-sheet of the season as well. That would have delighted Brdaric even more considering the performances of the defence in the last few games. "It feels good and does a lot of good for us. We sacrificed two goals in the last game. Tonight we had a bit of luck and a good performance from Debjit as well. I'm very satisfied with the performance as we had a good mentality till the end," replied Brdaric when asked about the clean-sheet.

Sending a strong message

Vafa Hakhamaneshi, who scored the eventual winner in the game celebrated by removing his shirt. Vafa's in-shirt sported the message "#WOMEN #LIFE #FREEDOM FOR 11:11" which exemplifies solidarity with the women of his home country Iran. The action led to the Iranian getting a second yellow card following his first booking at the hour mark. The defender was therefore given marching orders from referee Umesh Bora.

Thomas Brdaric stood by his player's decision and asked for understanding of the situation. When asked about the situation and his views on the card and the message, he replied, "It's a pity (that he got a red card), but the ISL has rules. I feel you can't close your eyes to this situation. I think it (Vafa's celebration) sends a strong message to the world.

"He is doing this for the people in his home country. So I hope the ISL (league committee), close their eyes and use their heads to understand this situation."