Hnamte own goal helps Punjab edge Chennaiyin

In a game of few clear-cut chances, it seemed rather apt that Punjab FC’s 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) fixture on Wednesday was courtesy an own goal in the 84th minute.

In the endeavour to mark Suresh Meitei during a Punjab corner, Chennaiyin’s Lalrinliana Hnamte had his back on goal, and was totally oblivious to Daniel Ramirez’s cross hitting his body before going into the net.

The result takes Punjab, which has 18 points after 10 matches, to sixth spot in the standings. Chennaiyin continues to languish at 12th with nine points.

The host, which enjoyed 60 percent of the possession, was deserving of the victory after looking the more threatening of the two teams. Ramirez, the attacking midfielder from Spain with a creative spark, orchestrated most of the attacks.

The first genuine opportunity came in the 11th minute when Ramirez teed up Bede Osuji on a platter, but the latter’s shot was cleared off the goal-line by defender Pritam Kotal.

In the 25th minute, Ramirez again turned provider as he found Nsungusi Effiong on the left with a perfectly-weighted pass. But Effiong didn’t get a clear sight at goal much to the credit of Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, who charged forward and narrowed the angle for the Punjab striker.

Just a minute later, Chennaiyin had one of its rare openings when Irfan Yadwad’s pass found Hnamte in a superb position inside the box. Hnamte squandered the initiative, however, with a heavy first touch.