Indian Super League (ISL) Men's Football

Resolute Mohammedan SC Hold Chennaiyin FC to Gritty Goalless Draw in ISL 2025–26

Chennaiyin FC were forced to settle for a point after being held to a 0–0 draw by a disciplined Mohammedan Sporting Club in their Indian Super League 2025–26 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, April 21.

The result sees Chennaiyin climb to ninth place with nine points from nine matches, while Mohammedan Sporting remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points. Defender Hira Mondal earned the Player of the Match award for his tireless performance.

Chennaiyin began on the front foot and nearly made an early breakthrough within the opening minutes. Imran found space in an advanced position and forced a sharp save from Padam Chettri. The rebound fell to Daniel Chima Chukwu, but before he could react, the assistant referee’s flag was already up for offside.

The home side controlled possession during the initial phase, probing for openings, while Mohammedan adopted a measured approach, focusing on slowing the tempo and building attacks from wide areas. Lalthankima and Lalngaihsaka looked to stretch the play, with Mondal frequently overlapping on the right flank.

Mohammedan created their first meaningful chance in the 16th minute when Mahitosh Roy delivered a cross to the far post. Mondal met it with a first-time header, but his attempt sailed over the bar.

At the other end, Irfan Yadwad remained Chennaiyin’s primary attacking threat. He was repeatedly targeted with crosses, but tight marking prevented him from converting those opportunities into shots on target.

Chennaiyin came close midway through the first half when Yadwad attempted a curling effort from the edge of the box, but the shot lacked the power to trouble Chettri.

As the half progressed, Mohammedan grew in confidence and began to test the Chennaiyin defence more consistently. Their best chance came in the 28th minute when Chothe’s cross found Mondal at the far post. His goal-bound effort forced an excellent fingertip save from goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz.

The visitors continued to look dangerous on the counter, with Thokchom Adison Singh initiating a swift move in the 35th minute. However, Nawaz reacted quickly, rushing off his line to collect the ball before the attack could develop further.

Chennaiyin almost broke the deadlock just before the break. Mandar Rao Desai made a penetrating run into the box and floated a cross towards Imran at the far post. The forward’s close-range effort seemed destined for goal, but Juwel Ahmed Mazumder produced a vital clearance on the line to keep the scores level at halftime.

Mohammedan started the second half with intent and threatened early through a quick counter-attack in the 50th minute. However, a delayed final pass allowed Nawaz to intervene and diffuse the danger.

Chennaiyin responded soon after, with Imran delivering a precise cross to Chukwu, who attempted an acrobatic finish but failed to connect cleanly.

The game opened up into a more end-to-end contest, with both sides pushing forward. Mahitosh Roy tried his luck from distance shortly after, narrowly missing the target with a powerful strike.

Despite Chennaiyin enjoying the majority of possession, Mohammedan remained organized and dangerous in transition, creating several promising moves whenever they ventured forward.

A key moment arrived in the 65th minute when Chennaiyin appealed for a penalty after Yadwad went down inside the box under a challenge from Mondal. However, the referee dismissed the claims.

Chennaiyin continued to search for a winner and came close again in the 78th minute. Yadwad delivered an inviting cross into the box, but Chukwu’s first-time volley lacked control and flew over the crossbar.

Mohammedan nearly snatched a late winner in the 88th minute when Chothe unleashed a powerful shot inside the area, only for Pritam Kotal to make a crucial block.

There was still time for one final chance in stoppage time, as Yadwad attempted a header from a cross on the right. However, the angle proved difficult, and Chettri gathered comfortably.

In the end, both teams had their moments but failed to find the decisive touch, as the contest ended in a goalless draw, reflecting a closely fought and evenly balanced encounter.

ISL 2025-26 – Chennaiyin FC vs Mohammedan SC highlights

Read more about Indian Super League

Kunal M

Kunal M

About Author

Passionate sports photographer capturing the heartbeat of football. Based in Kolkata, I just love to freeze moments of raw emotion, athleticism, and beauty on the pitch. Join me in celebrating the beautiful game through my lens.

You may also like

Super cup fixture cover image
Super Cup Men's Football

Super Cup 2024: Schedule, Groups, Team, Venues

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the complete fixture of the Super Cup 2024, which will be held
East Bengal FC vs Hyderabad FC in Kalinga Super Cup 2024
Super Cup Men's Football

Super Cup 2024: East Bengal FC victorious against Hyderabad FC in 1st match

East Bengal FC kicked off their Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory against