Zhimomi, Cletus score hat-tricks

In the first match of the double-header day, Viva Chennai had it easy over Chennai Customs RC, coming up trumps with a scoreline of 4-1. Despite being a goal down in the first day, Viva managed to produce a strong show for the rest of the game. It was a mixed day for hat-trick hero Kivi as he was later red-carded in the contest.

“We made a defensive error and it cost us a goal. It was the first match of the day and the players couldn’t perform their best because of the heat and humidity. There are usually three water breaks in international matches in such cases. But, it is not the same here,” said Viva coach CM Ranjith.  

In the evening game, Hindustan made short work of Chennai FC, registering a 4-1 win. It opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Shine John who put the ball into the back after a series of smooth short passes. 

Chennai FC equalised five minutes later courtesy a neatly-taken free-kick from Dyott Emmanuelim. What seemed to be a tightly-contested match turned out to be a one-sided affair in just a matter of three minutes as Hindustan struck twice during that period. It was Cletus Paul who stole the show for the rest of the game. He first gave the lead for the Eagles by converting a corner and then slotting the ball home later after Chennai FC’s goalkeeper charged out of his area. 

Despite going into the second half with a two-goal advantage, the Eagles kept on piling the pressure in the final third. He completed his hat-trick towards the dying stages of the game, ensuring Hindustan took home three valuable points. 

“We couldn’t execute the system we practised in our training ground but I am happy with the performance of my boys. 4-1 is a really good score, that too against a private club. We could have scored more but this is just our second match. The team is gelling well,” said Hindustan coach Abraham Varghese. 

“We had two back-to-back games against tough opponents in a short span of time. It has been very difficult for the players as the games are coming thick and fast,” he added. 

RESULTS: Viva Chennai 4 (Seikhohao Tuboi 25, Kivi Zhimdmi 38, 42, 85) beat Chennai Customs 1 (Vijay 17); Hindustan Eagles 4 (Shine John 19, Cletus Paul 41, 43, 91) beat Chennai FC 1 (Dyott Emmanuelim 24)