New Delhi [India], September 15 (ANI): Chennaiyin FC (CFC), a team with a prestigious legacy in the Indian Super League (ISL), has secured the ISL Cup twice and achieved the top position in the league during its inaugural season.

The Marina Machans (CFC) have established themselves as a formidable force in the ISL, boasting the fourth most wins in the league’s history. They have also scored fewer goals than only Mumbai City FC and FC Goa, showcasing their offensive prowess.

On a memorable Saturday evening, Chennaiyin FC exhibited their resilience and skill by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, thereby ending Odisha’s impressive 13-match unbeaten streak at home. This victory was driven by Farukh Choudhary’s two goals and Daniel Chima Chukwu’s maiden ISL goal for the club. It was a landmark win that ranks among Chennaiyin FC’s most notable successes away from home and marked Sergio Lobera’s first home defeat as Odisha FC head coach.

Back in 2015, under the guidance of Marco Materazzi, Chennaiyin FC journeyed to Goa after suffering two defeats in their opening matches. They faced Zico’s formidable FC Goa, who had topped the table the previous season. John Stiven Mendoza’s outstanding hat-trick led CFC to a resounding 4-0 victory, which remains their joint largest away win in ISL history in terms of goal margin. This stunning performance ignited Chennaiyin FC’s path to reaching the semifinals for the second consecutive year.

In a dramatic twist of fate during the 2015 ISL Final, Chennaiyin FC played as visitors at FC Goa’s home ground, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Bruno Pelissari gave CFC the lead in the 54th minute, but Goa’s Semboi Haokip equalized shortly after. As the match neared extra time, Joffre’s free-kick in the 87th minute seemed to secure victory for Goa. However, a Laxmikanth Kattimani own goal in the 90th minute followed by Mendoza’s decisive winner a minute later handed Chennaiyin FC their first ISL Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

In another thrilling encounter during the 2018 ISL Final, Chennaiyin FC faced Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Despite an early goal from Sunil Chhetri putting Bengaluru ahead, Mailson Alves scored twice and Raphael Augusto added a third goal, giving CFC a 3-1 lead. Although Miku scored a late goal for Bengaluru, it wasn’t enough to overturn Chennaiyin FC’s advantage, and they clinched their second ISL Cup with a 3-2 triumph, silencing the home crowd.

The 2019-20 season saw Chennaiyin FC, under head coach Owen Coyle, deliver an extraordinary performance against their arch-rivals Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi. Rafael Crivellaro opened the scoring, followed by goals from Nerijus Valskis and another from Crivellaro, resulting in a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Despite Bartholomew Ogbeche’s hat-trick for Kerala, further goals from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Valskis ensured a comprehensive 6-3 victory for Chennaiyin FC.

In December 2022, Thomas Brdaric’s Chennaiyin FC recorded their joint biggest away win in ISL history (in terms of margin) with a dominant 7-3 victory against NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. Abdenasser El Khayati scored a hat-trick, with additional goals from Petar Sliskovic, Julius Duker, and an own goal by Joe Zoherliana. Despite goals from Romain Phillipoteaux and Rochharzela for NorthEast United, Chennaiyin FC’s dominant performance was underscored by their seven-goal tally.

In a crucial match to secure a spot in the knockout stages, Chennaiyin FC faced League Shield-chasing Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Despite an early goal from Joni Kauko for Mohun Bagan, Jordan Murray’s equalizer in the 72nd minute ignited a late comeback. Ryan Edwards put CFC ahead, and although Dimitri Petratos equalized in stoppage time, Irfan Yadwad’s winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory. This win propelled Chennaiyin FC into the playoffs, marking yet another memorable away triumph.