ISL: Mohammedan Sporting holds Chennaiyin FC to 2-2 draw with late strikes – Talking points

Mohammedan Sporting stole a point with two late goals in the match against Chennaiyin FC.

Mohammedan Sporting pulled off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC drew 2-2 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday in Kolkata, taking a point in the Indian Super League 2024-25 match.

Chennaiyin FC began the match in a dominating fashion, scoring two goals in the first half. But two injury-time goals after regulation time helped Mohammedan Sporting steal a point.

Here are key talking points from the match:

Laldinpuia gives Chennaiyin FC the lead

The Marina Machans took the lead with ten minutes on the clock when PC Laldinpuia glazed an outstanding Connor Shields delivery from a corner off his head and into the back of the net. The defender, who joined Chennaiyin in the summer and has played across the backline since wheeled away to celebrate his first for the club.

As the play progressed, custodian Mohammad Nawaz conceded a spot kick in the 27th minute but immediately made amends with a sensational stop to keep his team’s lead intact. Regaining the momentum, Owen Coyle’s men made further inroads into the Mohammedan half but were thwarted by some last-ditch defending.

Brambilla doubles the lead

Chennaiyin picked up where it had left off immediately after the break and was rewarded for the same when Lukas Brambilla burst into the opposition box and poked the ball into the net, increasing his side’s lead to two.

Dominating all areas of the pitch, the Marina Machas looked to create more openings. Three minutes past the hour, forward Irfan Yadwad tried his luck from distance, only to miss narrowly. Moments later, Shields attempted to rifle the ball into the top corner but saw his effort blocked heroically from close range.

Manvir, Fanai score for Mohammedan Sporting

With the clock ticking, Mohammedan Sporting made a stunning turnaround, with substitute Manvir Singh pulling a goal back for Mohammedan in the 90+5th minute.

Fanai restores the parity

Seven minutes later, Lalremsanga Fanai converted a penalty which came up after Manvir was tripped inside the box by Laldinpuia, who was given the marching order after the incident.