Chennaiyin FC defeated 10-man Mumbai City FC 1-0 on Friday in a virtual knockout tie to seal the final playoff berth in the Indian Super League. Defender Lucian Goian, formerly of Mumbai City, struck the winner in the 83rd minute from a corner kick, which took Chennaiyin's tally to 28 points, two more than the Islanders.
Mumbai City defender Sourav Das was shown a straight red in the 54th minute for bringing down Lallianzuala Chhangte, when he was running through on goal.
Chennaiyin has scripted a remarkable turnaround after having taken just six points from its opening six matches when it made the decision to part ways with former coach John Gregory.
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Under Owen Coyle, the two-time champion picked up 23 points from a possible 33, while scoring 26 goals.