Ganesh’s winner helps Chennaiyin defeat BFC

In a match that was billed as a ‘Southern Derby’ with both coaches making it clear there was added motivation to win this one, Jeje Lalpekhlua provided Chennaiyin FC with the lead in the fifth minute. 

It stayed that way till the end of the first half but Bengaluru FC, who has scored most of its goals in the second session, got the equaliser in the 85th minute. With five minutes still left to be played, Bengaluru FC fancied its chances of even securing the winner but the much-celebrated match-winner came at the other end as Ganesh headed home in the 88th minute. 

It was a dramatic end to an invigorating clash that took Chennaiyin to 12 points from six matches, the same as Bengaluru FC and FC Goa, who have a match in hand. Chennaiyin FC, however, is placed third with an inferior goal difference.

Chennaiyin FC won’t mind that, particularly because this victory comes after its loss in Mumbai. John Gregory’s side put up a commendable team performance, although it was a great defensive display from players like captain Henrique Sereno, Mailson Alves, Inigo Calderon and Ganesh which helped it win.