High-flying Chennaiyin hits Kerala for a six in its 100th ISL game

Chennaiyin roared into a three-goal lead at halftime, thanks to a brace from Rafael Crivellaro (39’, 45’) and a strike by Nerijus Valskis (45’). But a hattrick from Bartholomew Ogbeche (48’, 65’, 76’), the first of the season, threatened to bring Kerala back into the match. However, a double from Lallianzuala Chhangte (59’ 80’) and another Valskis goal (90’) sealed the result for the away side.

The victory sees Chennaiyin (21 points) climb to the fifth spot, just two behind fourth-placed Mumbai City FC (23 points), while Blasters’ (14 points) hopes of finishing in the top four virtually ended, with it placed eighth now. Though Kerala started the first half well, it could not fashion any real opening. CFC too was a bit passive as the match was locked down in the midfield.

However, Chennaiyin came to life in spectacular fashion just as the first half was drawing to a close. In the 39th minute, the tourist took the lead after Kerala goalkeeper TP Rehenesh passed the ball straight to Crivellaro, who sweetly tucked it home.

Things got worse for KBFC in the 45th minute when Valskis combined beautifully with Crivellaro. The former received the return pass from the Brazilian and lashed a finish home. A minute later, Kerala was caught napping again. Anirudh Thapa sent a through ball forward for Valskis, who was offside.

But the Lithuanian did not interfere with play and Crivellaro took advantage, surged towards goal and finished with aplomb to make it 3-0 in no time. The setbacks sparked a reaction from Kerala in the second half with Ogbeche leading it. Three minutes into the half, the Nigerian got on the end of a hopeful cross into the box from Jessel Carneiro and turned it in past CFC goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

However, Chennaiyin restored its advantage after yet another howler from the Kerala defence. Abdul Hakku’s intended pass for Rehenesh was intercepted by Valskis who set up Chhangte. The Mizoram winger made no mistake and put the ball past the Kerala goalkeeper.

Ogbeche had other ideas and scored a quick fire brace to make it 4-3. In the 65th minute, he beat Kaith with a clinical shot from outside the box before heading in Halicharan Narzary’s cross in the 76th minute.

When one thought Chennaiyin had lost the plot, Chhangte settled its nerves with a fine strike from range in the 80th minute. Striker Valskis helped himself to a second goal late on to seal a goal glut.