AFC Cup Player Ratings: Chris Herd the silver lining as Chennaiyin edge Manang Marshyangdi

The Marina Machans are currently at the top of the table in group E.

Chennaiyin FC picked up their first-ever AFC Cup win after they trounced Manang Mashyangdi 2-0 at the TransStadia arena, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Two second-half goals from Christopher Herd and Mailson Alves gave the Marina Machans a decisive win to take them to second place in Group E. Here are our player ratings for the game.

Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh- 6.0

Largely untested but made a few smart saves from ranged shots. Had a heart-in-mouth moment late into the first half, but cleared the ball before danger arose. Made a stunning save late into the game to preserve his side’s clean-sheet.

Laldinliana Renthlei- 6.5

The youngster was a vibrant figure on the right, going forward with intention. Linked up well with Thoi and caused damage with his crosses, while also doing decent work in keeping Sujal Shrestha restrained. Should’ve got an assist in the second half, but unluckily saw his perfect pass cleared away.

Eli Sabia- 6.0

Sabia kept a cool head in approaching two daunting striker’s, sticking close and not allowing them to go past his defence easily. He made some vital clearances and stuck close to Mailson in forming an impenetrable line.

Mailson Alves- 7.0

The captain gave a commanding performance, keeping Olawale quiet and putting in some assertive tackles and clearances to win back possession. Looked unnerved by the occasion and was a rock defensively. Topped off his superb performance with a powerful header to help win Chennaiyin’s first AFC Cup game.

Jerry Lalrinzuala- 6.5

Jerry showed signs of old with a promising performance, where he did well to hold his own defensively. He was also menacing going forward, troubling MMC with his pace and also putting in inviting crosses which unfortunately didn’t go in.

Germanpreet Singh- 6.0

A lively figure in midfield, but a too erratic for his own good. Germanpreet did well to win back possession multiple times, but his over-aggressive nature caused him problems. Booked for a bad tackle, as his recklessness held him back.  

Christopher Herd- 7.5

The Australian was much more comfortable dictating the game from the middle, putting in some good passes forward and recovering the ball numerous times. He encouraged his side forward and showed impressive persistence in bombing forward before scoring a fortunate goal to give his side the lead.

Anirudh Thapa- 6.5

Playing in an unorthodox left-wing role, Thapa continued being a persistent figure in attack. He kept on trying creative passes forward and was rewarded for his hard work when his corner was nodded in by Mailson to double CFC’s lead.

Thoi Singh- 6.0

Thoi caused quite a few problems for the Nepalese side with his unpredictable movement and link-up play. Did well to go past his defender a few times and take few swipes at goal, but couldn’t get into goal-scoring promising as much as he’d want to.

Mohammed Rafi- 6.0

The experienced striker was clever with his movement in the final third. He linked up well with Jeje and co and also found himself in some difficult goal-scoring scenarios, one which saw his shot sail just over the goal.

Jeje Lalpekhlua- 5.5

A frustrating performance from the Mizo Sniper. He wasn’t as involved as he normally is and despite getting behind defenders a few times, couldn’t create anything. Didn’t seem to have his scoring boots on either.

Substitutions

CK Vineeth- 6.0

Vineeth did well to get into promising positions after coming on, but scuffed a promising chance but sending it sailing over.

Dhanpal Ganesh- 6.0

Came on to see the game through and did so with conviction.

Fransisco Fernandes- N/A

Couldn’t do much after coming on in the dying minutes.

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Manang Marshyangdi Club

Bishal Shrestha- 6.5

Despite not having to make any extraordinary saves, Bishal was tested numerous times and stayed true to his task. Made few great stops to save his side from despair, but couldn’t do much for the goals which were beyond his grasp.  

Kamal Shrestha- 5.5

Kamal was often out of position which allowed Jerry to overlap. Couldn’t stop the crosses as much as he’d want to, but did well to make few tackles.

Devendra Tamang- 6.0

Did well to keep up with Jeje and keep him quiet. Made some crucial clearances inside the area, but couldn’t do anything to deny the goals.

Biraj Maharaj- 5.0

The MMC captain was beaten for pace and wit numerous times on the left, not being able to cope with Renthlei’s and Thoi’s combination. He was traumatized with their movement and left for dead numerous times, causing problems for his side.  

Saheed Azeez- 6.0

Probably MMC’s best defender on the day. Made some key clearances and put his body on the line to stop the hosts from scoring. However, unfortunately, Herd’s shot struck him and went into the net, undoing much of his great work.

Gurung Hemang- 6.5

The creative centre-midfielder made some inviting passes forward, including a glorious long pass cutting through Chennaiyin’s defence and almost leading to a goal. However, he wasn’t as in control of possession as he’d want to.

Sujal Shrestha- 5.5

The left-winger was left frustrated but showed glimpses of promise with some dangerous movement. Booked for an unnecessary reaction.

Anjan Bista- 6.0

Bista couldn’t really do much to create from the right,  often having to defend against the overlapping Jerry instead.

Bishal Rai- 5.5

The hard-working midfielder did well to stop the flow through the middle, making crucial tackles and interceptions. Did well to stop some moves and destabilize Chennaiyin’s rhythm, but was outmuscled by Herd for the opener.

Somide Oluwawunmi- 5.0

Was left frustrated by the lack of creativity behind him and tight marking. Ended up being booked for a bad challenge.

Afeez Olawale  Oladipo- 5.5

Olawale was kept in check by Mailson, who barely allowed him to get a sniff at goal. His evening turned worse when he pulled his hamstring and had to be stretchered out.

Substitutions

Abhishek Rijal- 6.5

Rijal was a bright figure in attack, with his movement threatening CFC. He had one floating header sail just over and one terrific overhead kick saved superbly, as his urgent demeanour proved why he should’ve started.

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Bimal Rana- N/A

Couldn’t really do much to help his side mount a comeback.