Defending champions Chennaiyin FC have snapped up CK Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary on loan from fellow ISL side Kerala Blasters.
The two loan signings shaped up as Chennaiyin FC aim to shore up their attack for the AFC Cup campaign. They are out of contention of the playoffs spot this year in the ISL and thus have changed focus on greener pastures.
Chennaiyin FC currently occupies the floor of the ISL table with just one win from 12 matches in a poor defence of their title.
Halicharan Narzary was a part of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in UAE and featured in all the group matches. He has had a poor season for the Kerala Blasters and will be aiming to reignite his season in Chennai.
Namma @jejefanai is talking AFC Asian Cup with a friend.
Incidentally, THAT friend also happens to be joining us until the end of the season 😉#PoduMachiGoalu pic.twitter.com/acdrtYboil
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) 24 January 2019
CK Vineeth, a huge fan favorite at Kerala Blasters FC apparently displayed his displeasure at the fans for jeering him and hinted at moving out at the end of the season. He scored only two goals this season and the opportunity at Chennaiyin FC presents him with a chance to resurrect his stature in Indian football.
Kerala Blasters are eighth on the ISL standings with nine points in 12 matches and will need a miracle to make it to the playoffs. They have pivoted their season to give chances to prospective youngsters signing Nongdamba Naorem from Minerva Punjab FC and Baoringdao Bodo from Gokulam Kerala FC.
John Gregory’s Chennaiyin FC still have to play eight matches when the second phase of the ISL kicks off at the end of January. Chennaiyin FC is scheduled to feature in a two-legged playoff fixture in March to make Group E of the AFC Cup 2019.
The playoff is against the winner of the tie between Colombo FC of Sri Lanka and Transport United of Bhutan. Chennaiyin FC’s two-legged qualifier is scheduled for March 6 (away) and March 13 (home).
Group E features Abahani Dhaka of Bangladesh and Menang Marshyangdi Club from Nepal and could also feature Minerva Punjab if the I-League club fails to get past Saipa FC in their AFC Champions League qualifier.
