2015 ISL champions Chennaiyin FC returned to the venue of their championship win against the same opponent and scored another memorable win at the home of the Gaurs to strengthen their bid for a semifinal spot.
The guests from Chennaiyin FC were the better of the two sides, but they were wasteful with Francisco Fernandes, Inigo Calderon, and Jeje Lalpekhlua all unable to score. At the break it was goalless.
The winner came in the 52nd minute, when a Gregory Nelson shot could be kept out by keeper Naveen Kumar, Jeje Lalpekhlua’s follow-up effort was then finally put into their own goal by FC Goa’s Narayan Das under pressure from Inigo Calderon.
FC Goa only got its first attempt on target in the 65th minute when Edu Bedia shot hit the woodwork, while five minutes later an alert Ferran Corominas only got his deflection to keeper Karanjit Singh.
FC Goa’s best chance to equalise came in the 88th minute when Brandon Fernandes and Ferran Corominas both hit the crossbar before the ball went out.
In the end Chennaiyin FC kept their 1-0 lead intact and take the vital three points home as FC Goa’s semifinal chances dwindle.
MATCH AWARDS
Club Award: Chennaiyin FC
Swift Moment of the Match: Inigo Calderon (Chennaiyin FC)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Gregory Nelson (Chennaiyin FC)
Amul Fittest Player: Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC)
Emerging Player: Jerry Lalrinzuala (Chennaiyin FC)
Hero of the Match: Mailson Alves (Chennaiyin FC)