ISL 2023-24: FC Goa keeps second-place finish hopes alive with assertive 4-1 win against Chennaiyin
FC Goa intensified its pursuit of a second-place finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages with a clinical 4-1 win against Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium tonight.
As a result of this victory, the Gaurs rounded off their league campaign with 45 points from 22 matches. They are thus level on points with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which has played a game fewer (21) than FC Goa currently.
The Mariners will play their final league fixture against Mumbai at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tomorrow. A victory will see them become the ISL 2023-24 League Winners, whereas a draw will mean that they will slip into the third spot. In such a scenario, FC Goa will directly qualify for the semifinals whereas the Mariners will have to battle for a place in the last four through the playoffs route. Regardless of tomorrow’s result, this win was essential for FC Goa to remain in the hunt for the second spot, and it got that in some style with three goals in quick succession towards the end of the first half.
Chennaiyin FC, which is already into the playoffs, began the game strongly, as a strike by Rahim Ali in the 13th minute meant that they got a foot ahead in this away clash. Ninthoinganba Meetei spotted an onrushing Rahim on the inside channel of the right flank, and the latter received and converted the same with sublime ease to net the opening strike.
However, it was all about the Gaurs from there onwards, as their skilful frontline joined hands to trouble the Marina Machans from all ends of the box. It started with Carlos Martinez moving the ball up on the right before laying it in the path of Seriton Fernandes near the touchline. The latter crossed in the ball and it was tapped home by midfielder Borja Herrera in the 33rd minute to bag the equaliser.
Livewire winger Boris Singh eased things for FC Goa by drawing a foul off Sachu Siby inside the penalty area in the 35th minute, leading to the sending off of the latter. Martinez, who was a key character in building up Herrera’s goal, stepped up for the spot-kick duties and completed them effortlessly by hitting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Lastly, it was time for local star Brandon Fernandes to round off the proceedings. The Chennaiyin defence wore an arguably disoriented look after the team lost Siby. It provided Goa spaces to explore and their Moroccan talisman took an active interest in the same. His dashing run on the left flank coupled with a timely squared-up pass for Brandon was effectively converted in the added time of the first-half, helping the Gaurs gather a lead by two goals heading into the half-time break.
Martinez kept the pressure afloat on the Chennaiyin FC backline late into the game as well. The Spaniard was smart in his final third positioning tonight, and he provided timely evidence of the same by bagging his brace in the 72nd minute off a precise delivery into the box by former Bengaluru FC attacker Udanta Singh.