Coimbatore: The season opening I-League encounter between Chennai City FC and the Indian Arrows at the Nehru Stadium turned out to be a happy outing for the boisterous home fans.
Riding on Uruguaya-born Pedro Manzi’s hat-trick, Chennai City FC outplayed a young Indian Arrows side 4-1, logging full three points to begin their campaign in style. Romario Jesuraj, who had an outstanding game, scored the fourth. Indian Arrows captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam, however, opened the scorecard with a second-minute strike to give the young side an early lead.
Chennai’s Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas opted to go with Pedro Manzi as the sole striker with wingers Nestor from Spain and Romario Jesuraj assisting him. Another Spaniard, Sandro operated in the middle of the attack. Gaurav Bora was in the defensive midfield role just ahead of a three-man back line.
Floyd Pinto, the Arrows coach, left Rahul KP ahead with Rahim Ali in a roving role and Amarjeet Kiyam and Stalin holding the fort in the centre of midfield with Jeakson Singh behind them. Prabhsukhan Gill, in goal, was supported by a four-man defence.
The Arrows could not have asked for a better start as captain Kiyam struck in the second minute.
