Chennaiyin FC Falls to East Bengal in Super Cup Clash

Chennaiyin FC suffered a 4-0 defeat to East Bengal in their AIFF Super Cup Group A match held at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Coach Clifford Miranda made a single change to the lineup, opting for Raj Basfore over Laldinliana Renthlei at right wingback, the AIFF confirmed in a statement.

The Marina Machans started the game positively, with Raj Basfore and captain Mandar Rao Dessai pushing forward aggressively from the wings, while Jitendra Singh orchestrated play from deep. Forwards Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad created early challenges for East Bengal's defense, with Farukh nearly scoring in the opening minutes. However, an injury to Jiteshwor Singh in the 18th minute, necessitating Kingslee Fernandes' substitution, shifted the momentum.

Despite Chennaiyin FC's resilient all-Indian lineup maintaining their defensive shape, East Bengal broke the deadlock with two quick goals before halftime and added a third just before the interval. Chennaiyin responded in the second half with structural adjustments, including introductions of Laldinliana, Maheson Singh, and others, but couldn't alter the outcome. East Bengal netted a fourth from a controversial penalty. Chennaiyin will close their Super Cup campaign against Dempo SC on Friday, October 31.