CFC U15s beaten by FC Mumbaikars

The CFC U15s were boosted by the return of their skipper Sai Krishnan to the heart of defence, who missed the loss to Minerva Punjab FC through suspension. And it was Chennaiyin FC that began the match brightly, seeing more of the ball and creating quite a few half-chances in the opening period.

But FC Mumbaikars proved more clinical as they took the lead on 13 minutes courtesy Aryan Susheel Masand. The side from Maharashtra capping off a fine team move with a shot leading to the goal from inside the box. Chennaiyin shrugged off the setback and looked for the equalizer, but couldn't take their chances. Despite dominating possession and creating chances in the first-half, Chennaiyin FC went into the break trailing by a 1-0 margin.

The pattern continued in the second period as CFC continued to test the FC Mumbaikars' defence. U Yogesh and Deepak Thapamagar were at the heart of everything good for Chennaiyin, but the vital equalizer evaded their side throughout. And just as was the case against Minerva Punjab last time out, the CFC defence was breached on the counter-attack in the closing stages. FC Mumbaikars' Joel Valentines Barnes capitalized on a misplaced Chennaiyin FC pass and raced to the other end and made it 2-0.

Chennaiyin FC thus lost their second National Youth League final round match in Group C. They will be looking to salvage some pride in their last group fixture with a win against Churchill Brothers on Friday, 2nd February at the Utorda Sports Complex.