A late own goal was enough to give Chennaiyin Football Club all three points as they beat Abahani Limited 1-0 to pull clear at the top of Group E on matchday three of the 2019 AFC Cup.
The visitor made a bright start and Kervens Belfort flashed a header wide from Rubel Mia’s corner in the second minute.
It took until the 21st minute for the home side to pose a real threat to Abahani as Mailson’s powerful header brought a fine save from Shahidul Alam Sohel.
Abahani were next to come close as Sunday Chizoba’s shot had to be deflected behind by Mailson in the 27th minute.
Belfort’s pace then took him to the byline in a promising move but Karanjit Singh was alert to the threat and was quickly out to intercept the low cross.
Jeje Lalpekhlua turned smartly on the edge of the Abahani penalty box but he pulled his shot well wide as Chennaiyin struggled to trouble the away defence.
Dhanpal Ganesh came closer on the stroke of half-time when he headed Jerry Lalrinzuala’s corner narrowly wide.
Abahani created the first chance of the second half when Belfort headed Sohel Rana’s cross past the post.
Nabib Newaj Jibon then managed to get a free-kick on target in the 64th minute but the effort was comfortably saved by Singh.
At the other end, Eli Sabia rose to meet Anirudh Thapa’s floated free-kick but his header went straight into the arms of Alam.
Chennaiyin passed up another good opportunity with 15 minutes remaining as Mailson headed over from Isaac Vanmalsawma’s corner.
The home side finally made the breakthrough in the 79th minute.
Abahani Limited made a dream start in the AFC Cup as they clinched a creditable away victory when they beat Nepalese side Manang Marshyangdi Club Wednesday in Lalitpur.https://t.co/OTLyv5nFED#ABAHANI #ABAHANILIMITED #AFCCUP #AFC #FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 3, 2019
Thapa did well to collect the ball on the left and beat a defender.
He tried to cut the ball across goal but Wellington Priori got in the way and deflected the ball into his own net.
Abahani battled to the end but failed to create any clear chances to level the score as the Indian Super League side moved three points above them in the group.
Chennaiyin now face a trip to Bangladesh for what is sure to be another tough encounter when they take on Abahani again on May 15.
RESULT
Chennaiyin 1 (Priori 79-OG) 0 Abahani
