IT WAS A DISAPPOINTING day at work for Chennaiyin FC on their first ever competitive match on the Asian stage.
Playing their historic first AFC Cup qualifier match, the Super Machans got held to a goalless draw by Colombo FC in their first leg encounter.
The ISL 2017-18 winners were visibly frustrated by the hot and humid weather of Colombo, and despite prolonged efforts to slow down the game and build attacks from the back, failed to create enough concrete opportunities in the final third, with a clear tendency towards shooting aimless long-rangers. Their main offensive weapon, Jeje Lalpekhlua, was sequestered by Colombo defenders as long as he was on the pitch.
Towards the end of the game it was Colombo who took the clear upper hand and created the best chances of the game but failed to get a break-through.
This is the first time Colombo FC have managed to hold an Indian club to a draw. In their previous appearance in AFC Cup, they were beaten by Mohun Bagan on both occasions.
Chennaiyin FC will host Colombo FC in the second leg encounter away from home at TransStadia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 13th March 2019.
You can watch the entire match right here courtesy ThePapare.com.