Dhaka: Chennaiyin FC endured their first AFC Cup defeat after they went down 2-3 to Abahani Limited Dhaka at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here Wednesday.
After C.K. Vineeth gave Chennaiyin an early lead, Abahani bounced back in the second half by scoring two goals in five minutes. Though Isaac Vanmalsawma restored parity for Chennaiyin soon after, Mamunul Islam’s late goal handed the hosts three points. With this result, Abahani draw level with Chennaiyin on seven points from four games. Chennaiyin, however, remain on top on goal difference.
Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory, who signed a new one-year deal with the club last week, made three changes to the side that defeated Abahani 1-0 in Ahmedabad a fortnight back.
Wingers Francisco Fernandes, Isaac Vanmalsawma and striker C.K. Vineeth replaced Thoi Singh, Mohammed Rafi and Jeje Lalpekhlua, respectively.
IANS