I-League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Aizawl FC lost to Chennai City FC

#2 Sandro, Kabir stand out as Chennai City produce a team game against Aizawl FC

Sandro celebrated by pulling off his shirt after scoring the goal

There has been no looking back for Chennai City FC. They are on an impressive form this season and won their third successive away match.

After beating Gokulam Kerala FC and East Bengal, Chennai City FC have now conquered Aizawl FC for the first time in an away match.

But to be honest, they were far from their best. We have seen Chennai City FC dominating the game against Indian Arrows or East Bengal.

But on Friday, they couldn’t produce their usual passing football. This may be because of the nature of the field.

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is built on AstroTurf and it is quite difficult to play passing football because of the uneven ground. But Chennai players tried their best to take control of the game.

Despite their coach being sent off to the stands, the players never lost their concentration. They ticked almost all the boxes, save a few uneasy moments. They kept their defence tight, tried to control the midfield and never allowed their opposition spaces in their own half.

Sandro Rodrigues once again produced a superb performance in the absence of Pedro Manzi. He scored from another mind-blowing free-kick from just outside the box, the same way he scored against East Bengal.

He scored his second from a counter attack, using a momentarily lapse of concentration from his opponents. Taking off his shirt after scoring the second goal proved how much hungry he was for that.

Credits should be given to goalkeeper Kabir Taufiq too. He denied Aizawl strikers numerous times from scoring. He may not have the regular height of a goalkeeper, but he has brilliant reflexes.

The save against Kromah’s header must be his best on the match and was deservedly awarded as the hero of the match.