Chennai start favourites against Kerala

Kochi, December 12

Title contenders Chennaiyin FC will start as favourites when they take on Kerala Blasters in the first semifinal of the Indian Super League. Chennai have been the most consistent side in the tournament and they would start tomorrow’s match with a psychological advantage even in front of the vociferous Kerala supporters as they had won both the league matches against Kerala.

The Abhishek Bachchan-owned side ended the first half of the league phase on joint top position with Atletico de Kolkata but took the sole lead quickly and it did not relinquish it for the rest of the season.

They lost league top-scorer Elano Blumer of Brazil and the team’s second-leading scorer Stiven Mendoza to injury, but another Brazilian Bruno Pelissari stepped in to fill the void and scored some spectacular goals to ensure the Chennaiyin juggernaut rolled on. — PTI