Chennaiyin FC secured their first point of the ISL 2026 season with a spirited 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday.
Elsinho headed home his maiden ISL goal in first-half stoppage time to give the Marina Machans a deserved lead after a dominant opening spell. The visitors created several chances through Farukh Choudhary and Iñigo Martin, showcasing attacking intent throughout. However, Odisha equalised in the 68th minute when Carlos Delgado powered in a header.
Despite late pressure, Chennaiyin had to settle for a point and will now look to build momentum in their upcoming clash against Kerala Blasters.