The renewal of the contract means the Englishman will lead Chennaiyin till the end of the 2019-2020 season.

The former footballer, who had earlier managed teams like Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa among others, took over the position in 2017.

In only his first season, he led the side to a title winning campaign as Chennaiyin FC won their second ISL title. The victory also allowed the franchisee to become the first team from the competition to qualify for the AFC Cup.

In a close match, the Indian Super League side earned three points thanks to a late own goal from Wellington Priori, who deflected Thapa’s low cross in at the near post.

It took until the 79th minute for the home side to make the breakthrough and Thapa paid tribute to the resolute defending that provided the foundation for a vital win.

The visitors made a bright start and Kervens Belfort flashed a header wide from Rubel Miya’s corner in the second minute.

It took until the 21st minute for the home side to pose a real threat to Abahani as Mailson’s powerful header brought a fine save from Shahidul Alam.

Both teams went into the Matchday Two encounter looking to pick up their maiden win in the AFC Cup and, indeed, aiming to score their first goal in the competition.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, it was Chennaiyin’s overseas players who proved the heroes as quick-fire goals from Australian Chris Herd and Brazilian Mailson Veriato early in the second half secured all three points.

The hosts, making their debut in the competition’s group stage, dominated possession throughout and threatened their opposition on numerous occasion, but Jeje Lalpekhlua and company lacked concentration in front of goal.

Chennaiyin made their intentions clear with an early string of attacks, most notable was Eli Sabia’s header which somehow missed the target from close range eight minutes in.

Stadiums across the region will come to life with two encounters on Monday and four on Tuesday as seven teams from Groups A, B and C go into the final matchday of the group stage with dreams of joining Jordan's Al Jazeera in the West Asia Zonal Semi-Finals.

With closest challengers Al Wahda and Teshrin playing to a 1-1 draw, Al Jaish - on 53 points - claimed their 17th Syrian Premier League title with a match to spare.

Al Jaish will be looking to carry their domestic form into the 2019 AFC Cup, where they are second in Group A heading into Matchday Six.

They play Nejmeh SC of Lebanon and need a win to seal top spot provided current leaders Al Wehdat of Jordan are held or beaten by third-placed Hilal Alquds of Palestine.