ISL 2026: Chennaiyin FC Suffer Late 1-0 Defeat to Punjab FC After Costly Own Goal

Chennaiyin FC lost 1-0 to Punjab FC on Wednesday. The Indian Super League 2026 match was in Punjab. The only goal came in the 84th minute. It was an own goal by Lalrinliana Hnamte. Chennaiyin showed strong attacking intent but could not score.

Head coach Clifford Rayes Miranda recalled Mohammed Ali Bemammer in midfield. He started beside captain Alberto Noguera in the centre. PC Laldinpuia joined Pritam Kotal in defence. In attack, Hnamte supported Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad and Daniel Chima Chukwu.

Pritam Kotal made a crucial goal-line clearance after eleven minutes. Laldinliana Renthlei then blocked another clear chance for Punjab. Chennaiyin created a 3v2 break soon after. Hnamte’s heavy touch lost that opening. Chima had a half-chance too. Punjab’s defence recovered in time.

ISL 2026: Chennaiyin FC Showed Defensive Solidarity

The match then settled into a tight midfield contest. Both teams struggled to control the tempo. Clear chances were rare for either side. Chennaiyin stayed organised at the back throughout. The game lacked a strong final pass. Defenders stayed mostly on top.

After the break, the pattern stayed similar and tense. Chennaiyin stayed compact while chasing a first goal. Noguera sent a dangerous ball into the box. It almost created an opening. Chennaiyin also appealed for handball. The referee waved those claims away.

Missed late opportunities

Chennaiyin increased the pressure in the closing stages. Substitute Klusner Pereira crossed towards Irfan Yadwad. His header went over the bar. Soon after, Noguera played Chima through on goal. The striker shot wide from close range. That miss summed up Chennaiyin’s night.

Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz made his first big save late. He turned a Punjab effort behind for a corner. Punjab scored from that 84th-minute set-piece. The ball deflected in off Hnamte. Chennaiyin pressed for an equaliser but could not respond.

Upcoming fixtures

Chennaiyin now turn to their final league matches. They next face NorthEast United in their penultimate game. Their season then finishes at home against Bengaluru FC. Both fixtures may decide their final league position. The team will seek strong responses.