ISL 2023-24 Chennaiyin FC vs Punjab FC: Shields scores brace as Chennaiyin thrash Punjab 5-1

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The Indian Super League (ISL) match between Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC took place on Sunday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Connor Shields scored twice as Chennaiyin FC crushed Punjab FC 5-1.

Ryan Edwards gave Chennaiyin the lead in the 24th minute, and other players like Connor Shields (27th and 56th), Rafael Crivellaro (45+1th P), and substitute Vincy Barretto (84th) also found the scorebook to secure the Marina Machans' second consecutive victory, which helped them climb into the Top-6 in the standings. Punjab's lone goal came in the 86th minute from Krishnananda Singh Khundongbam.

After defeating Hyderabad FC earlier in the season, Owen Coyle's team entered the game with of confidence and attacked the newly promoted team from the off. The hosts' aggressive play not only overwhelmed the defence, but they also generated many good opportunities that resulted in two goals in short succession.

With a right-footed goal, captain Edwards gave Chennaiyin the lead early in the game. The 26-year-old Shields quickly doubled the advantage, giving the home crowd further cause for celebration. Crivellaro's cross was perfected by him.

The situation worsened for the visitors when Farukh Choudhary was taken down in the area, leading to a penalty surrendered. When halftime rolled around, Chennaiyin led 3-0 thanks to a flawless performance from the crowd favourite Crivellaro.

as the interval, Punjab FC's struggles persisted as they were reduced to 10 men as defender Melroy Assisi received a red card for bringing down Rahim Ali.

Making the most of the circumstances, Chennaiyin extended their lead over Punjab when Scottish forward Shields scored his second goal of the game with an incredible long-range effort.

After entering the game in the 64th minute, 23-year-old Barretto made an impression by scoring the team's fifth goal off a ball from Jordan Murray.

Though Khundongbam's strike from beyond the box gave Punjab their first goal in the 86th minute, it was too late as Chennaiyin finished with a decisive victory in a lopsided match.

Chennaiyin will now play FC Goa on Sunday, while Punjab FC will play Mumbai City FC away on Thursday in an attempt to capture their first ISL championship.