GANGTOK: Chennaiyin FC defeated Punjab Police 3-1 in their pre-qualifying match on November 11 for the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.
Lalpehlua, Karthik Thirumalai and Vishal R were the goalscorers for Chennaiyin FC while Abelson found the net for Punjab Police.
Chennaiyin FC made a strong start and received a penalty in the 3rd minute itself. Lalpehlua calmly converted the spot kick to give his side the early lead.
Both sides played a pressing game but could not convert their chances. In the 42nd minute, Karthik Thirumalai found the net to double the lead for Chennaiyin FC.
Just before the break, Punjab Police got a lifeline when their player was fouled in the D-box. Abelson came forward and scored the penalty kick to reduce the deficit.
Punjab Police came out strongly in the second half but could not find that elusive second goal. The match went out of their hands in the final minutes when Vishal scored the third goal for Chennaiyin FC.
Lalpehlua was adjudged the ‘man of the match’.
Chennaiyin FC now faces Diamond Harbour FC, Kolkata in their pre-quarterfinal match on November 15.
- SA Report
