Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov was delighted with their 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. 22-year-old forward Lalremsanga Fanai scored for the visitors in the 39th minute of the game to give his team their first three points of the ISL.
The I-league champions took six shots on target and had 47.5% possession. Chernyshov said they made history after their maiden win of the tournament.
With this win, the Kolkata-based club became the only fifth team to win their first-ever away game in the league after ATK FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Chernyshov said in the post-match press conference: “This is our first win in ISL. We made history today with these players, coaches, and staff.”
“We conceded two goals in extra time in the last two matches. But we played against very good teams who pressed us in the last minutes. They also have quality. We did not play against small teams. This is football. NorthEast United FC and FC Goa also have qualities. But today we are really very happy because we got our first win in ISL,” he continued.
The Russian coach believes this win will definitely add a shot to the team’s arm for the upcoming matches of the league.
“We know we are strong; we want to play good football in this league. We needed to win this match. And I am very happy about my players now. First, after two matches, they understood they could play good football. Now they understand they can win matches in ISL. And this is really very important for us,” Chernyshov explained.
Speaking about their playing style in the second half, Chernyshov said, “Look, sometimes you may not need to play nice football to win the match. Today, we were not able to continue to play our nice style, but Chennaiyin FC started (the game) very well. Maybe about (being) fresh. They had more gap between the first and third (second) matches. We played against FC Goa. Maybe we were a little bit tired after yesterday’s long travel.”
“And they started very well. But we understand we need our way. Before the match today, I told my players that today, quality was not enough to win the match. Today you need to give something more from within your hearts, and they gave. They are really good players,” he further added.
Mohammedan SC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 5th October.
