Chennaiyin FC U18s held at home by Bengaluru FC

The Chennaiyin FC Under 18 team was held to a 2-2 draw by Bengaluru FC in an Under 18 Youth League match at the SSN College Ground here today. Selvaniranjan C and Syed Suhail Pasha scored for CFC while BFC relied on a last-ditch penalty from Ragav Gupta to salvage a point.

The match began on an eventful note as Bengaluru FC took the lead in the 5th minute. BFC midfielder Lalengzama Vangchhia scoring the opener from a shot inside the CFC penalty area. But it didn’t take too long for Chennaiyin to draw level as Syed Suhail Pasha found the back of the net from a first-time finish from outside the box after being set up by Charles Britto on the counter.

The game continued to be an end-to-end affair as both sides had some good chances to add to their respective tallies. While Bengaluru struck the upright, CFC goalscorer Suhail tested the opposition keeper with a couple of shots as his side dominated proceedings before the interval.

BFC began the second half brightly with some decent half chances. Both sides played out a cagey second-half as the game entered the closing stages. And just when it looked like the match was headed for a 1-1 finish, CFC took the lead for the first time in the afternoon. Chennaiyin skipper Zonunmawia delivered a free-kick into the box which K. Kalaiarasan did well to toe goalwards. And Selvaniranjan C. was at the right place at the right time to tap in and make it 2-1.

The referee then awarded BFC a penalty deep into stoppage time, for a foul by Charles Britto on BFC goalscorer Vangchhia. Charles was sent off with a second booking as  Ragav Gupta stepped up to make it 2-2 and salvage a point for the team from Karnataka.

The CFC U18s will look to bag all three points in their next outing when they face RV Soccer School on Wednesday 21st February, 2018 at the SSN College Ground.


Score: Chennaiyin FC U18s 2 (Syed Suhail Pasha 9′, Selvaniranjan C 83′) drew with Bengaluru FC U18s 2 (Lalengazama Vangchhia 5′, Ragav Gupta (P) 90+7′)