Two Times ISL Champions Fails To Advance To Knockouts Of AFC Cup

Two times ISL Champions, Chennaiyin FC failed to advance from group stages of AFC Cup. Chennaiyin FC crippled against Nepal’s Marshyangdi Club to win the last game but couldn’t advance to knockouts of AFC Cup due to Minerva Punjab failing to win against Bangladesh side Dhaka Abahani.

Chennaiyin FC after taking a 2-0 lead conceded 2 goals in the span of just 8 minutes. Afeez Olawale Oladipo of Marshyangdi scored twice at 71 and 79 minutes respectively. After goals were equal, Chennaiyin scored at the 88th minute and had all hopes to advance to the knockouts, but injury time at Minerva vs Dhaka Abahani match destroyed all the hopes of Chennaiyin FC. At 90+3, Dhaka Abahani scored the goal to end the game and advance to the knockouts.

Chennaiyin FC needed to win the game on the terms that Minerva Punjab also wins the game or drew the game against Dhaka Abahani and then only Chennaiyin could advance to next round but Minerva Punjab lost and therefore Dhaka Abahani finished the group as table toppers with 13 points and Chennaiyin with 11 points.

Since 2012, this is first time when no Indian clubs have advanced to the knockouts of AFC Cup.

Scores :
Manang Marshyangdi (NEP) 2-3 Chennaiyin FC (IND)
Minerava Punjab (IND) 0-1 Dhaka Abahani (BAN)