Chennaiyin FC ended its Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on a high note with a commanding 5-2 victory against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on March 9, 2025. The Marina Machans, who had little to gain from the match aside from pride, showcased tremendous attacking capabilities, with forwards Daniel Chima Chukwu and Irfan Yadwad each netting two goals, alongside Lukas Brambilla's contribution.
The game started with considerable tension as Jamshedpur sought to solidify their playoff position. They struck first when, just 18 minutes in, Rei Tachikawa latched onto a misclearance from Chennaiyin's defense and struck with precision, placing the ball past goalkeeper Samik Mitra to give the visitors the lead.
Chennaiyin, undeterred, responded with urgency. Just seven minutes later, as the match unfolded, Farukh Choudhary orchestrated counterattacks with impressive pace and passing. It paid off at the 25-minute mark when Daniel Chima Chukwu took advantage of a woeful clearance by Jamshedpur's Uvais, firing the ball past the goalie to equalize the score at 1-1.
Brambilla's influence on the game became evident as the first half approached its conclusion. After turning the tide for Chennaiyin, his clinical finish from inside the box during added time handed his team the lead, sending them to the locker room with momentum.
After halftime, the home crowd found cheer once again as Irfan Yadwad snatched the ball with finesse, scoring from outside the box 12 minutes after the restart. This goal was particularly significant due to its artistic delivery, demonstrating Yadwad's promise as one of the rising stars of the season. His effort put Chennaiyin firmly at 3-1.
But Jamshedpur FC wasn't done yet. They clawed back two minutes past the hour mark when Mohammed Sanan scored following clever buildup play, narrowing the gap to just one goal. The atmosphere became charged with anticipation as both teams ramped up their intensity, with Chennaiyin holding their ground amid Jamshedpur's renewed confidence.
With the match nearing its close, Irfan struck yet again to provide cushion against any late comeback attempt from Jamshedpur. Receiving the ball beautifully from Wilmar Jordan Gil, he lobbed it past the onrushing goalkeeper to set the score at 4-2.
Then, just as the match entered its final moments, Daniel Chima Chukwu capped the evening with his second goal, sealing the affair with a powerful strike from near the box, culminating in Chennaiyin FC’s emphatic 5-2 win.
This match meant more than just three points for Chennaiyin FC; it was about finishing their season on their own terms, reflecting the potential seen throughout various matches—even if the season overall was marred by inconsistent results.
Despite the defeat, Jamshedpur FC maintained their playoff spot, but questions lingered about their defense, which appeared disorganized during this match. Coach Khalid Jamil will need to address these issues immediately to prepare his side for the playoff challenge.
Chennaiyin FC finished the season with 27 points from 24 matches, securing the eighth position on the table. The victory brought joy to the fans who had weathered several disappointing performances earlier this season, showing there's hope for the future.
On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC finished fifth and will hope to rejuvenate their spirit as they prepare for the playoffs. Regardless of the scoreline, this match highlighted the quality present on both rosters and set the stage for what fans can expect as teams head toward the playoffs.
The joy of defeat has witnessed varying reactions, but one thing is for sure: the game was thrilling and packed with emotion, showcasing the spirit of football.