How did Mohammedan SC's Andrey Chernyshov rate their historic first ISL win?

The Black and White Brigade’s persistence paid off in their third game of the season.

Kolkata heavyweights and Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 debutants, Andrey Chernyshov’s Mohammedan SC, took on Chennaiyin FC in their first away fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on 26th September.

Fanai Lalremsanga’s strike in the 39th minute sealed the game for the Black and White Brigade as manager Andrey Chernyshov’s men clinched the first of their three points in the coastal capital.

Andrey Chernyshov on the importance of the win

During the post-match media interaction, the head coach expressed his thoughts about this victory. He believes that all wins are important, but this being Mohammedan SC’s first win in ISL 2024-25 is an important milestone in the journey that follows.

In Andrey Chernyshov’s words, “All wins are important. The first win in ISL, we made history today with these players, with these coaches, with this staff. Okay, we received two goals in extra time in the last match, but we played against very good teams who pressured us in the last minute. We also have quality; we did not play against small teams.

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“This is football; sometimes people lose the Champions League in extra time. But today we are very happy because we won our first win in ISL. We know before we are strong; we want to play good football in this league; only we need to win this match, and I am very happy about my players now.

“First, they understood after two matches they could play good football; now they understand they can win matches in ISL, and this is very important for us.”

Though Chennaiyin FC seemed to have the upper hand in the initial minutes of the game, they were later outplayed by Andrey Chernyshov’s tactical acumen. “I told my players today before the match that today, quality is not enough to win the match. They all needed to give something more from inside of their hearts, their characters, and they did,” said the tactician.

A bigger challenge is all set to unfold as the debutants will be taking on the defending champions of the ISL League Winners’ Shield, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in the first derby of the ISL 2024-25 season at the Salt Lake Stadium on 5th October.

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