AFC Cup 2019: Chennaiyin FC enter Group stage

Chennaiyin FC have become the first entrant from the Indian Super League (ISL) to reach the group stages of the Asian competition as they defeated Sri Lankan champion Colombo FC 1-0 here. The first leg match in Colombo between these two sides was a goalless affair. In the second leg match, Chennaiyin FC had to find a goal to progress ahead and they did so, courtesy an opportunistic strike from Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 68th minute of the match.

The match got off to a sedate start which saw Chennaiyin largely feeling Colombo out who were looking to prioritise their defence. Colombo FC frustrated the 2017-18 ISL champions through their pertinent defence. They almost sprung a surprise when Isaac Addevu ran through Chennaiyin's defence but he was not able to capitalise on the opportunity allowing Chennaiyin to strike first in the match which resulted in their win.

Chennaiyin FC will now join Minerva Punjab FC (India), Abahani Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Manang Marshyangdi Club (Nepal) in Group E of the AFC Cup. (ANI)

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