Chennaiyin FC began their Indian Super League 2026 campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday, despite putting in a disciplined and competitive performance in their season opener.
In what marked head coach Clifford Miranda’s first ISL match in charge, Chennaiyin fielded a revamped starting XI that included four debutants. Alberto Noguera, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Imran Khan and Iñigo Martin were all handed their first appearances for the Marina Machans, signalling the beginning of a new tactical phase for the two-time champions. Lalrinliana Hnamte was deployed at the base of midfield to provide stability, while Irfan Yadwad led the attacking line in an otherwise fresh-looking frontline.
The visitors endured early pressure from Mumbai City FC in what was initially a cagey contest. Both sides looked to impose themselves physically in midfield, resulting in a series of early challenges and bookings as they battled for control of possession. Chennaiyin’s midfield duo of Bemammer and Hnamte were instrumental in disrupting Mumbai’s forward momentum, frequently breaking up passing sequences and shielding the backline.
Noguera, operating in an advanced midfield role, dropped deep on multiple occasions to facilitate transitions, linking defence with attack and helping Chennaiyin retain possession during Mumbai’s pressing spells. On the flanks, Imran Khan and Irfan Yadwad maintained width and looked to stretch the opposition defence, while Martin made probing runs into the channels in search of openings.
Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz was called into action early in the first half, demonstrating sharp reflexes to deal with Mumbai’s attacking threat. He punched clear under pressure from a dangerous delivery and later produced a fine save in the 18th minute to deny Jorge Pereyra Diaz from close range, keeping the scores level.
As the half progressed, Chennaiyin gradually found their rhythm and began to venture forward with greater intent. A series of teasing crosses from wide areas asked questions of the Mumbai defence, with Irfan Yadwad coming close to breaking the deadlock. His flicked header was blocked behind for a corner, and he was inches away from connecting with another inviting delivery from Imran shortly afterwards. The winger also cut inside from the right flank to unleash a long-range effort in the closing stages of the first half, capping a promising spell for the visitors before the break.
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However, Chennaiyin’s resistance was broken soon after the restart. In the 49th minute, Mumbai City took the lead through an unfortunate own goal when Pritam Kotal inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net while attempting to clear the danger. The early second-half setback forced Chennaiyin to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.
Miranda responded with proactive changes, introducing Eduardo Kau and Vivek in the second half to inject energy into the midfield and attacking third. Later substitutions saw Gurkirat Singh and Maheson Singh enter the fray as Chennaiyin pushed for an equaliser.
Irfan remained at the centre of Chennaiyin’s attacking efforts, seeing a goal-bound shot blocked before attempting an acrobatic effort from a corner just past the hour mark. The forward’s persistence paid dividends in the 74th minute when he forced a sharp save from a tight angle, igniting a period of sustained pressure on the Mumbai defence.
Moments later, Pritam Kotal had an opportunity to redeem himself when the ball fell kindly to him inside the box, but his volley sailed over the crossbar. Chennaiyin continued to press forward in the closing stages, with Jiteshwor Singh introduced to add further impetus in midfield.
In stoppage time, Mandar Rao Dessai came close to salvaging a point for the visitors, glancing a header narrowly wide of the target. Despite Chennaiyin’s late surge, Mumbai City held firm to secure all three points from the encounter.
Chennaiyin FC will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they continue a demanding four-match run away from home. The Marina Machans are scheduled to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata on February 23, as they look to bounce back and register their first points of the season.
