PANJIM: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu pulled off a stunning performance for Bengaluru which helped his side frustrate Chennaiyin FC in a goalless draw in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium, on Friday.
This season, Chennaiyin FC are known for their dominating performances but what’s special about it is their misfiring attack. On Friday, it was their attack which let them down once again as Coach Csaba Laszlo’s side failed to score in nine games in this edition.
This not only lost them crucial points, but also reduced their chances of progressing into top four. Meanwhile this draw will be positive for Naushad Moosa, who are breathing new life post Carles Cuadrat era.
Manual Lanzarote was handed his first start for Chennaiyin and the Spaniard put up a good show for his team. He fell deep to assist in defending and played crucial passes in driving the attack. Chennaiyin FC dominated the match proceedings and created chance after chance. But you just can’t blame just the strikers for not scoring when you have Gurpreet Singh Sandhu guarding the opposition goal.
Chennaiyin had the first chance of the game when Esmael Goncalves did everything right when he made his way into the Bengaluru area but his shot was saved by a diving Gurpreet. Rahim Ali got the rebound, but his tame shot was easily swallowed by the custodian.
Moments later, Thapa swirled in a cross into the box, which was met by Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the header found Gurpreet.
Then it was Ali, who on entering the area released the ball to Chhangte on the left. The winger cut inside and shot straight at Gurpreet.
Chennaiyin were denied with an opening goal by Gurpreet just before the breather. Chhangte raced down the far side and set Lanzarote through.
The Spaniard got into the box and played a lofted pass to Goncalves but Gurpreet anticipated danger and charged ahead to get the crucial touch, to deflect the ball off Goncalves for a goal kick. This was undeniably the best chance of the game.
Nothing changed in the second session as Chennaiyin continued their hunt for the goal. Lanzarote nearly scored from a set-piece but Gurpreet managed to get a fingertip save onto the crossbar.
Goncalves failed once again to maintain his composure in front of the goal. Lanzarote played a delightful ball to the Portuguese forward, but after getting the ball at his feet, he shot straight at Gurpreet.
Bengaluru managed to get the ball at the back of the net, but their celebrations were cut short when the referee disallowed the goal. Xisco Hernandez picked Francisco Gonzalez on the back post who headed into the back of the net. But the assistant referee caught him offside.
Gurpreet was not ready to give up. The India international pulled off another diving save to deny Chhangte late in the game.
Chennaiyin FC nearly took the lead when Memo Moura 30-yard free-kick beat a diving Gurpreet but this time it was the woodwork that came the Bengaluru’s rescue.
