Chennaiyin FC did not have a smooth ride into the sunset as it ended its already dismal Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 campaign with a 1-2 loss against Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday (May 16, 2026).

Daniel Chima Chukwu and Ryan Williams traded strikes in the first half, before debutant Serto Worneilen Kom bagged a late winner, leaving Chennaiyin 13th in the table with just nine points.

In sweltering conditions, Bengaluru asserted control courtesy of its four-man midfield with Braian Sanchez and Soham Varshneya testing the opposition goalkeeper in the opening half hour.

But for all its dominance, it was Chennaiyin that surprisingly broke the deadlock.

Chukwu started the swift move by winning the ball in the middle of the pitch and distributing it before running up to take up position inside the box. The ball, meanwhile, made its way around to Mandar Rao Desai, who was played through on the left wing before laying it on a plate for Chukwu.

Bengaluru was desperate for an equaliser before the break, and this time its hunger was rewarded as William pulled off a crisp one-touch move with Lalremtluanga Fanai to set himself up for an easy finish from close range.

The visitors sealed the game in the closing stages of a drab second half after Williams breached the box before cutting the ball back to Fanai. Pritam Kotal stood strong to block his shot, only to see the loose ball smashed into an empty goal by substitute Kom, who took advantage of a snoozing defence.

With the win, Bengaluru kept its mathematical title chances alive and temporarily leads the standings with 23 points.

The result: Chennaiyin FC 1 (Daniel Chima Chukwu 34) lost to Bengaluru FC 2 (Ryan Williams 43, Serto Worneilen Kom 89).

Ryan Williams’ goal in the AFC Cup Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong China here three weeks ago was perhaps the brightest spot in a season of gloom for Indian football. The inclusion of the Australian born striker is, in fact, the best thing to have happened for Indian football for a long time.

That should open the door for more players like Williams, raised overseas but eligible to represent India. Owen Coyle, the widely respected coach with vast experience in India and a former striker who has played in the English Premier League and for Ireland, believes India should look out for such talents from overseas.

Coyle, who is back in India as the coach of Jamshedpur FC, reminds you that he is qualified to speak about it. “I was born in Scotland of Irish parents but grew up in Ireland, which I was able to represent in international football,” he told The Hindu.