Back at home, Chennaiyin FC eyes improved attacking display against FC Goa

The last time Chennaiyin FC played at home — against Jamshedpur FC on March 9, 2025 — there was normal service in the Indian Super League. But the landscape has changed significantly over time.

The ISL has undergone restructuring amid financial uncertainty. And its two-time title-winner Chennaiyin will have to make do with a non-ideal surface at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for Sunday’s clash against FC Goa, its first home game of the 2025-26 season.

Yet, CFC head coach Clifford Miranda remains unperturbed. What concerns Miranda is the lack of cutting edge in attack. Chennaiyin has scored just twice so far — a return that underlines its struggles in the final third. “We’ve been working on different structural aspects to bring more consistency in attack,” Miranda said at a press conference here on Saturday.

With four points from as many matches leaving the side 11th on the table, the situation is far from good. “At times, we’ve been a bit tentative on the ball in those areas. Hopefully, we can correct that and start scoring. The pitch isn’t bad, but it has certainly been better in previous seasons.”

Goa, despite sitting fourth with nine points from five matches and with only two foreigners in the squad, hasn’t quite hit top gear. And Goa head coach Manolo Marquez is wary of Chennaiyin. “They are very good with the ball, with a lot of movements. And if we don’t play a good game, we will suffer,” Manolo said. All these factors lend an unpredictable edge to the game.