Chennai Customs dominated from start to finish as it thrashed ICF 3-0 in the Chennai Football Association senior division match on Saturday.
ICF looked a pale version of the team that won against Hindustan Eagles and looked a tired unit, struggling to maintain possession.
Creating chances
In contrast, Customs looked sharp and kept the play in ICF’s half, creating many opportunities. In the first half, Customs couldn’t convert its chances, with Sasi Kumar and Vijay missing by inches while a powerful shot from Maruthupandian was blocked by a superb effort by ICF custodian who got his fingertips to push it over the net.
ICF too had a few chances with Freddie’s powerful header blocked by Customs’ Bharath.
In the second half, Customs broke the deadlock when Vijay assisted Sasi Kumar, who shot in a long ranger in the 66th minute and beat the keeper diving to his right.
Customs doubled its lead 10 minutes later when Nirmal picked up a rebound off the keeper and assisted Sriram who finished it easily.
The final one
In the 91st minute, Vijay scored the third goal running from nearly the half line, beating a couple of defenders and the custodian to slot in.
The only silver lining for ICF was the performance of its goalkeeper S. Agastin who came up with some fine saves.
Eagles beats CUFC
In the other match, it was heartbreak for Chennai United FC as Prabakaran’s injury time goal (90+3) helped Hindustan Eagles post a 2-1 win. Prabakaran also scored Eagles’ first goal in the 53rd minute to level the scores.
The results: Chennai Customs 3 (Sasi Kumar 66, Sriram 77, Vijay 90+1) bt ICF 0.
Hindustan Eagles 2 (Prabakaran 53 & 90+3) bt Chennai United FC 1 (Sivasakshi 27).
