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AFC Cup 2019: Five reasons why Chennaiyin FC can beat Minerva Punjab

Published at :June 16, 2019 at 9:31 AM
Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM
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(Courtesy : Chennaiyin FC)

Rohan Philip


The return fixture saw a goalless stalemate between the two sides in Ahmedabad.

With both teams enduring dismal domestic campaigns, they have looked to the AFC Cup as a source of salvation. Chennaiyin FC and Minerva Punjab lock horns on Wednesday in Group E of the competition. Although, the previous meeting of the two Indian clubs ended in a goalless draw, Indian football fans will be hoping that this encounter will involve a few more sparks.

We at Khel Now bring you five reasons for why the Marina Machans can beat Minerva in the upcoming game:

5. Goals starting to flow again for Chennaiyin

During the ISL season, Chennaiyin found goals to be at a premium, with their star strikers failing to perform. However, in the Super Cup and now in the AFC Cup, the southerners seem to have found their goalscoring touch, with five goals in four games so far.

The fact that the goals have come from all over the park will only add to the confidence of the Marina Machans.

4. Replacements failing to perform for the Warriors

It is fair to say that the Punjab club haVE had a tumultuous campaign so far, culminating in the former I-League champions finishing in 10th place in the I-League. Samuel Lalmuanpuia was brought in on loan from Shillong Lajong, as a stopgap solution to their goalscoring problems, but has so far flattered to deceive in a side that are severely short of depth and quality.

Apart from Samuela, other new additions like Robert Primus and youngster Sreyas Gopalan has failed to deliver when it has mattered the most. Sachin Badadhe's 4-3-3 formation has also failed to impress and all these factors will be on display when the Warriors face Chennaiyin on Wednesday.

3. Anirudh Thapa finding his form for club and country

At 21 years of age, Anirudh Thapa is one of the most important players, both for his club and country. His presence in midfield, quick turns, and incisive passes, define him as a player.

However, in recent matches, he has shown a goalscoring side to his game as well, with five in his last eight outings for club and country. The midfielder will be key when Chennaiyin take on Minerva Punjab.

ALSO READ: Why Anirudh Thapa gaining momentum is a blessing for Chennaiyin FC

2. Contrasting recent form of the two teams

Minerva Punjab continued their dismal domestic form into the AFC Champions League Qualifiers and the AFC Cup, with one loss and four draws in their last five games.

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, have been buoyed by an encouraging Super Cup campaign and currently sit atop of Group E in the AFC Cup.

1. The return of Dhanpal Ganesh

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Almost as if merely by his presence on the pitch, the performances of Chennaiyin rose with the return of Dhanpal Ganesh from injury, towards the end of the season.

The Tamil Nadu ace offers a calmness at the base of the midfield, which will prove useful against the false #9 that Minerva operate with. If Ganesh is allowed to dictate the pace of the game, the Marina Machans are expected to come out on top.

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