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Champions lock horns in exciting draw
KOLKATA: There were 10,973 watching ISL 2014 champs Atletico de Kolkata take on current defending champions Chennaiyin FC on Sunday.
KOLKATA: There were 10,973 watching ISL 2014 champs Atletico de Kolkata take on current defending champions Chennaiyin FC on Sunday.
And they generated enough noise to get behind the hosts, especially when, against a team that has a left-foot rocket called John Arne Riise, they conceded free-kicks in dangerous areas. Riise’s first, in the seventh minute, thudded into the horizontal.
They did that when ATK scored too, the move showing what Helder Postiga can do when fit. The ATK marquee’s pass to Sameehg Doutie opened the play and the nifty South African slotted home at the near post.
ATK showed that the transition from the animated Antonio Habas to the much calmer Jose Molina has been smooth.
The team retained its 4-2-3-1 formation and used the pitch’s width by attacking Chennaiyin FC’s full backs N Mohanraj and Mehrajuddin Wadoo.
With Doutie as wide right and Javi Lara on the left, ATK forced Chennaiyin FC to play very narrow.
But ATK’s lead was shortlived as Jayesh Rane equalised, blindsiding Arnab Mondal with a smart run showing how sharp Chennaiyin FC can be on the break.
It was 2-1 for the visitors as Hans Mulder’s effort changed direction after hitting Tiri. Iain Hume equalised from a penalty after Jerry Lalrinzuala barreled into Doutie. With 17 goals Hume is now the ISL’s highest scorer.
The hosts failed to notch up a hat-trick of opening game wins, having done so in the 2014 and 2015 editions. But after a 1-0 league opener in Guwahati, a four-goal share by past and present champions was an encouraging encounter.
FC PUNE CITY TO MISS COACH IN MAHA DERBY
PUNE: FC Pune City will have to do without the presence of coach Antonio Habas in the dug-out for the Indian Super League Maharashtra derby against Mumbai City FC on Monday.
Habas was sent off by the match referee last season during the second-leg of the semi-final against Chennaiyin FC. He was later banned for four games by the Disciplinary Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for aggressive behaviour.
Since ATK lost that match, it was the end of their campaign last year. However, Habas carries the suspension into FC Pune City’s first four matches this season.
