XtraTime Web Desk: Chennai City creates history completed a terrific 3-1 victory over Minerva Punjab to win the I-League title on its final matchday at the Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore on Saturday.
Roland Bilala (3′) had handed outgoing champions, Minerva, a dramatic lead. But, leading goalscorer Pedro Manzi (56′ Pen.) scored from the spot to equalise before Gaurav Bora’s terrific brace (69′ and 90+3′) sealed the title for the Chennai outfit.
Chennai City ended on top of the league table with 43 points, one more than East Bengal who finished second in yet another photo finish. East Bengal’s bid to end their 15-year-old wait for the top-flight title continued even after they won their game against Gokulam Kerala.
Manzi finished as the joint top-scorer of the league alongside Willis Plaza of Churchill Brothers with 21 goals.
For Chennai City FC, founded by two young football-loving owners based out of the southern metropolis, the triumph is nothing short of a dream.
The club has exhibited immense vision in its short existence, right from the appointment of and freedom given to Singaporean coach Nawas.
And a free hand with regards to team building helped Navas bring together a champion group.