Hume’s late goal helps Atletico hold Chennaiyin

Iain Hume converted a late penalty to rescue a point for hosts Atletico de Kolkata against Chennaiyin FC in their opening Hero Indian Super League (HISL) clash at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata, on Sunday.

After a barren first session, Sameehg Doutie put Atletico de Kolkata ahead in the 59th minute but they were on the back foot after Chennaiyin FC struck back with goals from Jayesh Rane (66th minute) and Hans Mulder (70th minute). It looked like the defending champions would hold on for three points but Hume struck from the spot in the 86th minute to share the spoils.

Kolkata deserved at least a point from this game after making a good start, thanks to the presence of Helder Postiga and Hume upfront. Postiga had scored two goals when he played the opening match last year against Chennaiyin FC and the Kolkata marquee looked in fine form again after returning to the ISL for a second stint. His partnership with Hume was always going to be the trump-card and the duo showed coach Jose Molina that they mean business with an attacking intent.

The first opportunity for the hosts happened in the 20th when Doutie found space down the right flank and crossed for Postiga but the former Portugal striker’s attempt was blocked just in the nick of time.

A minute later, it was Chennaiyin FC’s turn to attack with Davide Succi showing remarkable skills to control the ball but his volley sailed just wide. Almost immediately, Jeje Lalpekhlua tried to enter his name on the score-sheet but goalkeeper Debjit Majumder was alert to the challenge.

Kolkata were in control of the proceedings and created several chances for the first 45 minutes but lacked the final touch that can translate a good move into a goal. Just after the half an hour mark, Postiga did well to carry the ball forward and send a peach of a cross towards Hume at the far post but Chennaiyin defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo did well to head it to safety.

Another chance fell at the feet of Doutie in the 35th minute after Postiga’s flick but the final touch left a lot to be desired.

The goals started to flow in the second session. Postiga did well to spot Doutie on the right and the South African had no trouble beating the onrushing goalkeeper to give his team the lead in the 59th minute.

Chennaiyin clawed back with the equaliser in the 66th minute. Jeje’s shot lacked the power to rattle anyone but it fell nicely for Jayesh who had made a run and only had to keep his calm to slot it inside the goal.

The defending champions thought they had secured full points in the 70th minute when Mulder’s shot from a distance was deflected by Tiri into his own goal but Hume saved his team a point from the spot after Doutie was brought down inside the danger zone.

Result: Atletico de Kolkata 2 (Doutie 59, Hume 86 (P)) drew with Chennaiyin FC 2 (Rane 66, Mulder 70)