Local League: Viva Chennai decimates Income Tax 4-0

In the day’s first match, Chennai FC drew 1-1 with Indian Bank. After losing 0-1 to Indian Bank in its previous match, Viva Chennai, knowing that it couldn’t afford another setback in the title-race, came up with an absolute masterclass. G Karthik put his team ahead in the 21st minute and there was no looking back for Viva from that moment on. 

Rajesh, who scored a hat-trick, doubled his team’s lead four minutes before the half-time. Viva’s defence held firm and prevented the Income Tax forwards from having a shot at its goal. With just 10 minutes remaining, Rajesh scored two goals in the space of a minute to make it 4-0. 

Not surprisingly, Rajesh was awarded the man of the match for his heroics. Earlier, Indian Bank continued its unbeaten run when it drew 1-1 with Chennai FC. The Bank team, however, will view this result as two points lost as Chennai FC has been struggling for form.

Two members of Chennaiyin FCs title-winning wheel, Francisco Fernandes and Mohammed Rafi have renewed their contracts with the Indian Super League (ISL) southern franchise by one year each, it was announced on Wednesday. Head Coach John Gregory stressed on the importance of retaining two experienced players. 

“Keeping the core of our side intact from last season is of paramount importance,” he said in a statement. Francisco, 32, was picked by Chennaiyin in last season’s Player Draft despite undergoing an ankle surgery. The nippy winger from South Goa repaid the faith shown in him by proving to be a versatile and ever-present force in what was a campaign to remember. He notched 17 appearances and scored one goal last season, but more importantly was efficient in whatever position he was deployed in.