Durand Cup 2022: Chennaiyin FC beats Neroca FC 2-0 to ensure a quarterfinal spot
The final Group C clash of the Durand Cup ended with Chennaiyin FC securing a quarterfinal spot after beating Neroca FC 2-0 at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Manipur, on September 5
Chennaiyin FC beats Neroca FC 2-0Within the regulation time, Anirudh Thapa in the 15th minute and Hakhamaneshi Vafa in the 71st minute were the goalscorers for Chennaiyin FC. At the same time, none of the players from Neroca FC could score.
Chennaiyin FC began the match aggressively and dominated the hosts throughout the game. Chennaiyin captain Anirudh Thapa slotted the ball into the net 15 minutes into the first half after receiving an accidental long ball from Neroca centre-back David Simbo.
Neroca FC was taken aback by the quick goal and launched a counterattack but failed to break past Chennaiyin FC’s wall of defence. Rahim Ali charged on the left flank and tried to send a cross, but it ended up being blocked by Neroca FC.
Chennaiyin FC got several golden opportunities to double the lead but failed to convert as the first half ended 1-0.
Hakhamaneshi Vafa doubled the lead for Chennaiyin FC in the second half after receiving a well-placed Anirudh Thapa freekick. Neroca FC committed more players on the attack but failed to use them much.
Anirudh Thapa played a crucial role in the victory of Chennaiyin FC. He gave a commanding performance to notch up a goal and an assist.
Chennaiyin FC finished their group stage matches at the second spot on the Group B chart with seven points from four games, securing a place in the quarterfinals. Neroca FC ended their campaign in the fourth spot with four points from four matches.
Chennaiyin FC will next face Mumbai City FC in a quarterfinal clash of the Durand Cup on September 11.
Rajasthan United FC makes it to the quarterfinals.
Rajasthan United FC also advanced to the quarterfinal of the 2022 Durand Cup after beating Indian Navy FT 2-0 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on September 5.
Rajasthan United FC took the lead with two goals within 15 minutes after 37 minutes of goalless action. Youssef Atriss in the 73rd minute and Sergio Barbosa in the 88th minute scored to secure the victory for Rajasthan United FC.