Panjim: Chennaiyin FC suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to East Bengal in their second Group A match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday. The result leaves the Marina Machans without a win in the tournament as they prepare for their final group encounter later this week.
Head coach Clifford Miranda made one change to the starting eleven, bringing in Raj Basfore for Laldinliana Renthlei at right wing-back. Chennaiyin started with energy, with Basfore and captain Mandar Rao Dessai pushing high on the flanks, while Jitendra Singh orchestrated play from deep. Forwards Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad looked threatening early on, testing East Bengal’s backline.
The Marina Machans created the first clear chance within two minutes, when Farukh’s strike from close range drew a fine save from goalkeeper Prabsukhan Gill. However, Chennaiyin’s rhythm was disrupted in the 18th minute after midfielder Jiteshwor Singh was forced off with an injury, replaced by Kingslee Fernandes.
East Bengal capitalised on the momentum shift, breaking the deadlock past the half-hour mark before adding a second soon after. A third goal just before halftime put Chennaiyin under significant pressure.
After the break, Miranda’s men tightened their structure and tried to regain control. Laldinliana Renthlei and Maheson Singh were brought on to add width and intensity, followed later by Gurkirat Singh and Klusner Pereira after Irfan Yadwad had to be stretchered off. Despite the mounting challenges, Chennaiyin displayed fighting spirit, with Klusner making a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny East Bengal another.
Their efforts, however, were undone late in the game when East Bengal converted a penalty following a questionable decision, sealing the 4-0 win.
Chennaiyin FC will look to finish their campaign on a positive note when they face Dempo SC in their final Group A fixture on Friday, October 31, at the same venue in Bambolim.
