Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 14 (ANI): In a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Chennaiyin FC’s (CFC) head coach Owen Coyle heaped praise on his players following their remarkable 3-2 comeback victory against Odisha FC on Saturday.

Odisha FC, known as the Kalinga Warriors, took an early lead courtesy of a well-executed penalty by Diego Mauricio in the ninth minute. This initial setback did not deter Chennaiyin FC, who displayed tremendous resilience and tenacity in the second half.

Chennaiyin FC’s fightback began just after the break with Farukh Choudhary scoring a quick-fire brace that stunned the home crowd. Choudhary’s goals injected new life into the team and shifted the momentum in their favor. The comeback was further solidified when Daniel Chima Chukwu, making his debut, found the back of the net to put Chennaiyin FC ahead.

Despite a late goal by Roy Krishna, which briefly reignited Odisha FC’s hopes, Chennaiyin FC held on to secure their first win of the ISL 2024-25 season with a 3-2 victory. This triumph was particularly significant as it ended Odisha FC’s unbeaten run at their home ground, the Kalinga Stadium, from the previous season.

Owen Coyle attributed the victory to his players’ collective effort and unwavering determination. He acknowledged the depth and potential of Odisha FC’s squad and offered high praise for their head coach, Sergio Lobera.

“Odisha FC are a formidable team with Sergio (Lobera), an exceptional coach and a dear friend. They had an impressive squad last season and made excellent additions this year. Players like Boumous, Jahouh, and Krishna are outstanding talents. However, it was evident that we deserved the win today. We were the superior team,” Coyle remarked during the post-match press conference, as reported by ISL.

Coyle elaborated on the team’s halftime strategy, explaining how he motivated his players to maintain their focus and intensity. “At halftime, we calmed the boys down, emphasizing that we were creating good chances. We needed more intensity and pressing. In the second half, we scored three goals and could have scored even more. Effective game management was key, and we came to Odisha with a winning mindset,” he stated.

Odisha FC’s unbeaten record at the Kalinga Stadium last season served as a significant motivator for Chennaiyin FC. Breaking this record added extra motivation for Coyle’s squad. “Their home ground has been a fortress. They remained unbeaten against strong ISL teams last year, showcasing their quality. This undoubtedly enhanced our performance today, especially since we came from behind. We maintained the focus and mentality I always emphasize,” Coyle explained.

Looking ahead, Chennaiyin FC faces a challenging schedule with seven of their first ten games being away fixtures. Despite this, Coyle remains determined to maintain a winning mentality, regardless of the venue. “Seven of our first ten games are away from home, but our aim is to win, whether it’s home or away,” he asserted.

“We didn’t come to Odisha to settle for a draw. Our approach is always to play on the front foot, seeking victory even when we’re behind. Today was a testament to that philosophy. While there were outstanding individual performances, what matters most is the team’s collective effort,” Coyle concluded with confidence.