Kathmandu: Bidding to make the knockouts of AFC Cup in their maiden appearance, Chennaiyin FC need a win against Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal when they meet in their final group match here Wednesday.
A draw in their previous match against Minerva Punjab had dented Chennaiyin’s chances of securing a place in the Inter-Zone Semifinals and a win in their next outing may not be enough for them to make history in the continent’s second tier club competition. With eight points from five matches, Chennaiyin are at second place behind Abahani Dhaka (10 points) and they must win against the Nepalese side and hope that Minerva do not lose against the Bangladeshi side in Guwahati in another Group E game. If Chennaiyin beat Manang and Minerva either win or hold Abahani, the Chennai-based side will go through to the knockout phase of the tournament. Chennaiyin have a better head-to-head record against Abahani and if the two sides end on same points, the Indian Super League outfit will make it to the Inter-Zone Semifinals.
Only one team from Group E will advance to the knockout phase. In their first leg match in Ahmedabad, Chennaiyin defeated Manang 2-0 courtesy of goals from Chris Herd and Mailson, and head coach John Gregory will be hoping that his wards secure all three points at the ANFA Complex. “It’s a very important game for us, nothing less than a win matters tomorrow.” Gregory said (PTI)
