Lukasz Gikiewicz’s first half goal was enough to earn three points and take Chennaiyin FC to the fifth place in the table with 14 points from 9 games.
Follow Us
Chennaiyn FC boss Bozidar Bandovic hailed his team’s efforts after the hard fought 1-0 win against Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) fixture on Sunday. Lukasz Gikiewicz’s first half goal was enough to earn three points for the Marina Machans after two back-to-back defeats. It was a tactical performance from Bandovic’s side to get the better of Jamshedpur FC who could have got level on points with leaders Mumbai City with a positive result at the GMC Athletic stadium in Bambolim.
Bandovic said after the match “I think we were very good tactically. We showed great discipline and concentration. It was difficult for the boys as we are playing after two losses. These players give everything for the team every match and that makes me proud.”
He added “Their effort, their spirit was great and we had problems before this game. Ariel Borysiuk was injured and we couldn’t use Nerijus Valskis. Vladimir Koman was sick all night and we didn’t know if he will play or not. That’s why we had to take him off as he couldn’t give any more.”
The Chennaiyin FC’s defense did a very good job to keep Greg Stewart quiet for most part of the game. The Scottish playmaker, who has set the league on fire with five goals and four assists wasn’t given the space to work with.
When asked about Stewart, the 52-year-old coach said “We analysed his game and we knew his movements and where he can be very dangerous. I think the boys did well with the double marking and controlled the space well.”
Goalkeeper Debjit Majumder who came in for Vishal Kaith had a decent game as he made a number of good saves to keep a clean sheet. The 33-year-old made a good low save to deny Stewart from inside the box.
Montenegrin tactician said about Debjit “He had a good game but we played well as a team. We win and lose as a team. I always make the decision that’s best for the team and that decision was for Debjit to play and Vishal to take a break. We are helping both of them.”
Gikiewicz scored the lone goal of the match from a set piece in the 30th minute. Vladimir Koman’s in-swinging free-kick from the left side found the head of Gikiewicz at the far post. The Polish striker made no mistake as he headed home from six yards out. It was the 34-year-old’s first goal of the season.
Drop some ? if you enjoyed @ChennaiyinFC‘s game last night! ?#JFCCFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/MOJkA2bOtv
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 3, 2022
The Marina Machan’s have been struggling to score goals this season as they have netted just nine goals from as many games. Therefore Bandovic has added more firepower into the striking department by bringing in Nerijus Valskis from Jamshedpur FC.
“We needed a goal from set-piece because we were working so hard. He scored that goal and I’m very happy for him. But the team’s win is more important. Now we will have to wait for Valskis to be fit.”
The win helped Chennaiyin FC to fifth in the points table with 14 points from 9 games while Jamshedpur FC dropped to sixth with 13.
