ISL 2021-22: Rahim Ali scores winner for Chennaiyin against ATK Mohun Bagan

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:53 am

Vipin Pawar/Focus Sports/ ISL

Riding on goals by Kwame Karikari and Rahim Ali, Chennaiyin FC kickstarted their Indian Super League 2022-23 campaign by beating ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday.

Chennaiyin's Ghanaian striker Karikari (64th minute) scored a goal off penalty on his ISL debut before Rahim (83rd) struck home the winner. Manvir Singh (27th minute), on the other hand, netted the lone goal for the hosts.

Playing in front of the home fans, the 26-year-old striker put ATK Mohun Bagan in the lead by scoring the opening goal. On the counter, Manvir successfully converted a pass from Dimitri Petratos. leaving Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Debjit Majumder with no chance of saving.

Anirudh Thapa-led side came back aggressively after the break, creating more pressure on the opposition defence line.

They were soon rewarded when substitute Karikari was allowed inside the box and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith mistimed his challenge. Karikari made no mistake from the spot to make it 1-1.

Twenty minutes later, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul sent a good pass forward on the right wing to Karikari, who then cut the ball back to Rahim before he found the far corner with a superb finish.

ATK Mohun Bagan had a chance during dying moments when substitute Liston Colaco's curling free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard box was brilliantly saved by a diving Debjit.

Chennaiyin FC will travel back home to Chennai for their next game against Bengaluru FC. ATK Mohun Bagan will next face Kerala Blasters away on October 16.