Chennai City FC held to 1-1 draw by DSK Shivajians

Irish midfielder Shane McFaul scored in the dying minutes to deny Chennai City FC a much needed win and restored a point for DSK Shivajians with a 1-1 result in the I-League football match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Sunday.

Shivajians Haroon Amiri scored in the 42nd minute but McFaul saved his strike for the last as he spoiled what would have been the hosts' third win.

The result though had lifted them in the table as they went equal on points (9) with Mumbai FC, whom they beat 2-1 in their only meeting so far.

Shivajians are seventh with 11 points in their kitty from 12 outings.

The visitors made seven changes to the team that lost to Churchill Brothers 3-0. Chennai ringed in four.

There were chances for both teams in the first half but none could muster anything.

For the home team, Charles, Amiri and Marcos Tank wasted good opportunities in front of goal while Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to finish at the other end for the visitors.

Right at the end of the first half, Amiri managed to disturb the score-sheet, heading in from a corner as he was left unmarked by the Shivajians defence.

In the second half, Chennai tried to double their lead. Charles tried to get on the end of an Amiri cross but failed.

The bane for the home side was Marcos Tank, who on one occasion linked up well with Charles to cut inside and shoot woefully wide of target.

Shivajians had Juan Quero showing wonderful technique to volley a loose ball inches wide of goal.

The visitors looked desperate to get back in the game as Sairuat Kima also came close, heading wide from a flicked on ball by Shane McFaul after Quero swept in a delectable corner.

For all their effort in front of goal, Shivajians equalised in second half added time. McFaul volleyed home from a goal-mouth melee to send coach Dave Rogers jumping with joy.

--IANS

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