FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC Match Report

FC Goa 1-2 Chennaiyin FC Match Report

FC Goa XI: Jan Seda, Narayan, Bengelloun, Carvalho, Pires, Herlein, Marcelino, Narzary, Gabriel, Arnolin, Prabir

FC Goa subs: Debabrata, Rowilson, Alwyn, Bikramjit, Pinheiro, Amiri, Kattimani, Miranda, Ranti, Ozbey, Santos

Chennaiyin FC XI: Bracigliano (gk), Mendy, Elano, Djordjic, Devadas, Abhishek, Balwant, Gouramangi, Bruno, Dhanachandra, Silvestre

Chennaiyin FC subs: Carvajal, Sukhwinder, Hidalgo, Jeje, Valencia, Shilton, Materazzi

A thriller in Panaji as Chennaiyin edge past a spirited Goa side to claim first away win in ISL. Two first half goals from Balwant Singh and Elano sealed the deal for the visitors. This match also marked the first goal made by a person of Indian nationality.

Materazzi benched himself and star striker Jeje as FC Goa also benched their striker Ranti Martins and Brazilian Andre Santos. The game adrenaline pumping as both teams were playing an exciting brand of football.

The first chance of the match went to hosts as Balwant and Elano were linking uite beautifully with each other. The southerners took full advantage of this went ahead in 32nd minute as Balwant Singh became first Indian to score in inaugural ISL. Within 13 minutes, India witnessed a moment of magic from a certain Brazilian Elano as he scored stunning freekick which surely will be contender for the goal of the season.

Goa came into their own in second half as Robert Pires started to get his act together in midfield. The hosts started playing in uber attacking Brazilian way as all the outfield players started to bomb Chennaiyin goal. And it soon paid off as French defender pulled one back for the hosts in 65th minute with a close range tap in.

Then there were string of missed chances for the hosts which denied them a crucial point, notably for Ranti Martins and captain Pires. An interesting game probably the most keenly contested game in this ISL till now.