ISL 2017-18: Chennaiyin FC inch closer to playoff spot after win vs FC Goa
FC Goa lost 0-1 to Chennaiyin FC after an own goal from defender Narayan Das in the 52nd minute of their Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Fatorda Stadium.
football Updated: Feb 15, 2018 23:27 IST
Hindustan Times, Margao
Chennaiyin FC took a huge leap towards confirming a place in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs after a 1-0 win over FC Goa on Thursday. The loss have left FC in trouble in the race for top four.
FC Goa are now without a win in four matches. Chennaiyin, meanwhile are in third sport now, leapfrogging Jamshedpur FC. All the top four teams have now played 15 matches.
Chennaiyin scored the winner in the 52nd minute of the match. Mohammed Ali failure to clear a loose ball which allowed Francisco to pick out Gregory Nelson, whose strike from the edge of the box was parried away by Naveen Kumar but only as far as Jeje Lalpekhlua. The Indian striker’s shot across the face of goal from the left hit Narayan Das, before rolling past the goalline.
It was an incredible finish to the match thereafter as FC Goa stepped up their attack in last 15 minutes of the first half and looked they were coming into their own when Hugo Boumous’ mishit volley went straight to Ferran Corominas. He tried to turn it towards goal but Karanjit Singh was in the way. Brandon Fernandes then hit the woodwork with a thumping drive from distance.
Seconds later, Corominas’ flick struck the post, hit the keeper and went across the face of goal in stunning fashion. Corominas then almost scored from a loose ball after a corner but Jerry Lalrinzuala made a fine block. Then it was substitute Mark Sifneos’ chance to miss when he headed a glorious cross wide. All this in the last five minutes made for a breakneck finish.
