Aizawl FC take on Chennai City FC in a do-or-die clash

The Southerners are out of the race for top six.

Aizawl FC face a battle for survival in the I-League top-six when they face Chennai City FC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal tomorrow (February 28th, 2021). The match will kick-off at 7 PM IST and will be broadcasted on the 1Sports channel, whilst being streamed live on their Facebook page.

Chennai City FC lost their second consecutive game in injury time as they were beaten by Mohammedan 2-1, pegging them in 9th place with 9 points after 9 games. The loss confirmed Chennai being out of the race for the top-six. However, with Indian Arrows and Sudeva safe from relegation, Satyasagara’s side will need to pick up as many points as possible, starting against Aizawl.

Speaking at the official press conference, head coach Satyasagara said, “I am really proud of the local lads. They showed the true potential to play at such a high level of football against quality opposition. We have been quite unlucky in the last two games. But I am happy to see the players working hard in training and matches.”

“Aizawl are a very good team to play against. They have a similar style of football to us — hold possession, build up from the back. They have had a few good results, and they will be giving it all since they are still fighting for top-six. We respect them, and will try our best to match them tomorrow,” the Singaporean head coach said.

Vineeth Kumar, the Chennai-born midfielder has impressed many this season. Sharing a few thoughts on his debut season, he said, “I was really happy when I scored in my debut game. Both, my coach and teammates have shown phenomenal support since then. Right now, we might be down but there is a lot of positivity from the coach and senior players, and we will win again soon.”

Aizawl were beaten by Real Kashmir 3-1, pushing Yan Law’s side to 7th in the Hero I-League standings with 12 points after 9 games. To move into the top six, Aizawl will not only need to beat Chennai City FC but also need either TRAU and Mohammedan, who sit above them, to drop points in their respective games.

Speaking at the official press conference, head coach Yan Law said, “We are pretty good in terms of keeping the ball, and creating chances. However, Kashmir had the edge over us because of its physicality, which we lacked. I believe, if we convert our chances and avoid silly mistakes, we can take all three points.”

“The next game is like a final for us. We are also depending on other team’s results. Chennai is a fantastic team. Despite being a man down, they played excellently to hold a team like Mohammedan until the dying minutes. We have to go into the game and get all three points to move up into the top six,” Law added.

Nepali forward Abhishek Rijal who joined Aizawl FC recently said, “It is hard for a player to join in mid-season due to current circumstances. However, Aizawl FC is a very professional club. The coach and players are all motivated to fight, and I am hoping we can turn our fortunes.”