After four rounds, two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC will return home to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to take on unbeaten FC Goa for the 2025-2026 regular season match on Sunday.
Chennaiyin’s main concern will be the availability of midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer, who has proven to be an effective option deep in midfield and in defence.
«Ali is in doubt. We will call tomorrow. He has been at the club since day one and he is an important player. If he is not there, we have to adapt quickly and draft a new player,» Chennaiyin head coach Clifford Miranda said, without revealing the exact reason for the Moroccan’s absence.
In recent games there has been a lot of switching between the two centre-backs to build up play from the back, and this is questionable for the clash.
The club will also sweat over the state of the home venue.
Sportstar had earlier reported on the condition of the playing field at the Nehru Stadium ahead of the new ISL season. Although the field has improved compared to a month ago, there are still patches that require further work.
«The way I saw it, in some places there’s grass, and in some places there’s no grass at all. In some places it’s very wobbly. The ground isn’t evenly aligned. The grass needs to be a certain amount of inches, and it’s not there,» Miranda said.
«The style of play is different than before, and usually at this level and with this style of play you need the pitch to be at its best. But we will succeed.»
Chennaiyin have scored just two goals this season but conceded four in as many games, leaving them in the bottom half of the table.
Finishing was a concern, with Spaniard Inigo Martin missing several chances, and with Daniel Chima Chukwu back in the line-up, it remains to be seen if Miranda chooses to start the Nigerian on Sunday.
«Inigo is trying. We have Gurkirat Singh and other attacking options, but the last third is the most difficult part. It takes some time. It’s more about instincts. Of course there is training and structure, but sometimes it is individual ability, and we are working on it,» Miranda said.
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On the plus side, after a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters in the previous match, Chennaiyin can finally flex their muscles at home. And before the international break, a series of back-to-back matches at the venue could work in his favor.
The club returns to the stadium after almost a year away and Miranda urged supporters to turn up in droves, warning it could otherwise feel like another away game for his side.
And the Chennaiyin faithful are expected to respond.
For Supermachans, the club’s official fan group, the occasion will serve as a solemn commemoration of one of its founders, Joshua Peters, who passed away in October 2025. The group has called on fans on social media to rally behind the team as it dedicates matchday to Joshua.
The Marina Machans last defeated Goa at home more than six years ago and will be hoping to mark their expected return with a memorable win and full points to their name on a warm March evening in Chennai.
Published on March 21, 2026
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