Romario strikes in stoppage time to salvage draw for CCFC

It was the defending champion’s third draw of the campaign in four matches, its only win coming against Southern Railway in its previous match. 

It now has six points from four games. On the contrary, with the second draw in the league, Viva has accumulated eight points from the same number of games. Both teams are unbeaten thus far. 

Despite remaining in a commanding position for most part of the first half, CCFC failed to capitalise on its chances and converting them into a goal. 

Foreign import Daniel Eze Ochekwu opened the account for Viva Chennai just minutes before the whistle in the first half as he slotted the ball home after a collision with the onrushing CCFC goalkeeper Vigneshwaran. Viva had a one-goal advantage at the end of 45 minutes. 

Chennai City, which was behind at the start of the second half, mounted huge pressure by pressing hard in Viva’s half. 

Shaji scored the equaliser for CCFC by placing the ball into the top left corner in the 54th minute after it fell kindly to him following a clearance. But, Viva one again restored its one-goal advantage as CCFC’s defender Predyson scored an own goal in the 61st minute as he was put under pressure by goal-scorer Daniel.

Viva appeared to be happy with the lead it had and decided to defend deep. There was a stage when the members of the coaching staff urged front men Danile and Seikhohao Tuboi to fall back in order to prevent CCFC from scoring the equaliser. But, its effort went in vain as Romario scored in added time. 

“We could have won the game. We badly missed Kivi Zhimomi in this game. He was red-carded two games back. We were asked to give an explanation letter but we never got a reply from the disciplinary committee,” said Viva coach CM Ranjith in frustration. 

When asked how happy he was with his side’s performance thus far in the league, he added, “It is good that we have two draws and two wins under our belt. The players are finding it difficult to train hard because of the heat.” In another match, Chennai FC defeated Arrows FC 2-1. 

Results: Chennai City FC 2 (Saji 54, Romario 90+1) drew with Viva Chennai 2 (Danieleze Ochekwu 45th+1, Predyson 61 (og)); Chennai FC 2 (Joseph Segun 26, Olunide Usman 47) beat Arrows FC 1 (Emmanuel 77).