The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Saturday recognised the Indian Super League (ISL) as the country’s premier competition during a meeting in Vietnam. The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) proposed roadmap for the country’s sport was also approved by the AFC’s executive committee.

The AIFF has finally awarded the "top league status" to the ISL, thus dismantling the I-League from its erstwhile position. The decision has been taken to honour the 2010 Master Rights Agreement (MRA) which stated the new league would be the “senior and prestigious league” of the country.

Ahead of their AFC Cup game against Manang Marshyangdi, John Gregory has stated that nothing less than a win will matter for Chennaiyin FC now. Gregory has also added that the team knows that the game is going to be a tough one but the players are quite used to the pressure situations.

Chennaiyin FC substitute Mohammad Rafi earned his side a crucial point after he scored a last-gasp equaliser against Minerva Punjab in the AFC Cup on Wednesday. After failing to secure all three points, the Chennai-based franchise dropped to second in the table behind Abahani.