Chennai, February 23 – Chennaiyin FC suffered a defeat in their second match of the 2026 Indian Super League, losing 2-0 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Head coach Clifford Miranda retained the same starting lineup from the previous match, relying on continuity as the Marina Machans aimed to establish an early rhythm. Mohammad Nawaz started in goal, supported by a defensive pairing of Elsinho and Pritam Kotal, while Mohammed Ali Bemammer and Lalrinliana Hnamte provided protection in midfield. Up front, Alberto Noguera and Inigo Martin were tasked with creating opportunities and providing a decisive edge in attack.
Chennaiyin began with discipline, absorbing early pressure through compact, organized defending. Nawaz was called into action in the 20th minute, making a sharp save to parry a shot from distance, before Noguera briefly threatened at the other end after a patient CFC build-up, although the move ultimately failed. A setback followed just past the half-hour mark when Nawaz was forced off due to an injury, with Samik Mitra stepping in and quickly settling, comfortably gathering a long-range attempt shortly after.
The Marina Machans nearly found a breakthrough in stoppage time of the first half when Bemammer's free-kick took a deflection and went wide, with Elsinho stretching but unable to turn it goalward. Moments later, however, Mohun Bagan quickly broke and took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
After the restart, Elsinho produced a crucial sliding block to deny a second as Chennaiyin sought a way back into the match. Miranda responded with a triple substitution before the hour mark, bringing on Farukh Choudhary for his first appearance of the season alongside Eduardo Kau and Gurkirat Singh. The reshuffle saw Kau add legs in midfield, Gurkirat lead the attack, and Farukh operate from the left, with Irfan shifting to the right.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 65th minute, Mitra getting a hand to Dimi Petratos' effort but unable to keep it out. Gurkirat then tried his luck late on, flashing a curling shot just wide of the post. Mitra then made two quick saves within a minute to thwart Jason Cummings from adding a third.
Aiming to bounce back, Chennaiyin will next take on Odisha FC away from home on Sunday, March 1, in the Indian Super League.
