Chennaiyin FC set to open ISL campaign against ATKMB, first home game against Bengaluru FC
Chennaiyin FC set to open ISL campaign against ATKMB, the first home game against Bengaluru FC: Chennaiyin FC are set to begin their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) campaign of the 2022-23 season with a league opener against ATK Mohun Bagan in Kolkata on October 10 while their first home game will be a blockbuster against southern rivals Bengaluru FC.
The fans will also return to the stadium after a hiatus of more than two years as games were played before empty stadiums due to COVID-19 in the previous two seasons. The stadiums are expected to be packed by club faithful and passionate football fans from across the state.
The last time Chennaiyin FC visited Kolkata in 2021 season, they had defeated the home team and the side is expected to face a hostile and boisterous crowd, which will back ATKMB.
The next challenge for Marina Machan’s will be a home game against southern rivals Bengaluru FC on October 14 at the familiar setting of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. That will be followed by a match against FC Goa on October 21 at the Marina Arena.
Thomas Brdaric’s men’s first game in November will be an away clash against Emami East Bengal in Kolkata in what could be another intense game in front of the noisy home crowd.
Chennaiyin FC will host Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC before traveling to Bhubaneshwar to play Odisha FC in November.
The defending champions Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters FC will visit Chennai for two ferocious southern derbies on December 3 and December 19 respectively.
The two home games will be followed by trips to Guwahati and Mumbai to play against Northeast United FC and Mumbai City FC respectively as Chennaiyin FC will be looking to end their year on a high.
The new year will see the two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC travel a lot as they visit Jamshedpur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The only home match in January will be against ATKMB on the 21st.
The final phase of the league stage in February will be packed with a total of five matches, including two away trips to Kochi and Goa and the last league stage match will see a visit from NEUFC on February 24.