Guwahati: Chennaiyin FC would look to inch closer towards sealing a knock-out berth when they take on Minerva Punjab in a crucial all-Indian Group ‘E’ clash of the 2019 AFC Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium here on Wednesday.
Table-toppers Chennayin are ahead of Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka despite being locked on seven points from four games each, courtesy a better head-to-head record and will look to pull off a a win Wednesday. This will be Chennaiyin’s second consecutive away game after having played their opening three group games at home. A win for the two-time Indian Super League champions will help them inch closer to the knock-out round, while an unbeaten Minerva will be eyeing a first AFC Cup win to keep qualification hopes alive, having drawn all their four games so far. In the group’s other game of the day, Abahani will take on Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi Club (at 5.15 pm), the latter needing a win at all costs to stay alive in the competition after registering two draws and two losses so far. Chennaiyin and Minerva will be in action after over a month as both their previous outings were in May. Match fitness will be key in humid conditions in an afternoon kick-off, as the teams aim to hit the ground running in a crucial tie following the long break. The Chennaiyin players followed a strict fitness and physical conditioning regime during the break to stay in shape for the AFC Cup games, the team’s forward C K Vineeth said ahead of the match.
Meanwhile, Chennayin head coach John Gregory said two important games were coming up and the players were aware of the task at hand. “The mood is very good in the camp. We have two important games coming up against Minerva (Punjab) and Manang (Marshyangdi) in Nepal. The professionalism that my boys have portrayed is first class. And they are all aware of the task at hand.” Gregory said. (PTI)
