FC Goa secured a dominant 2-0 victory over a lacklustre Chennaiyin FC on Saturday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, South Goa, extending their unbeaten run to 12 games in the Indian Super League.
FC Goa came out strong in the match, making early inroads into Chennaiyin's half, with Loutolim lad Brison Fernandes showing excellent form through his fast-paced runs with the ball.
FC Goa's consistent pressure yielded results in the 11th minute. After Borja Herrera's corner was partially cleared, Boris Singh floated in a dangerous cross, and under pressure Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz failed to control the ball following a collision with a teammate.
Brison pounced on the loose ball and struck the post, but Iker Guarrotxena was at hand to calmly slot home the rebound, registering his third goal of the season and giving his team a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
After the first goal, FC Goa continued to dominate, with Brison linking up well with teammates and creating chances ably supported by Herrera and Sangwan.
In the 15th minute, Sangwan delivered a cross to Rowllin Borges, but the latter's shot went over the goal. In the 19th minute, Brison set up Sangwan for a shot, but the latter's shot was parried away by the Chennaiyin goalkeeper, Mohammad Nawaz.
But in the 26th minute, Sangwan, taking full advantage of a through ball from Carl McHugh, scored from a difficult angle much to the cheer of home fans. It was 2-0.
After that goal, FC Goa kept on looking for the third one and almost had it through Guarrotxena in the 30th minute, but his shot was saved by the alert Chennaiyin goalkeeper.
After the drinks break, FC Goa kept pushing forward, while Chennaiyin struggled to make an impact. Despite attempts from Jordan Gill, Connor Shields, and Irfan Yadwad, Chennaiyin’s attack was largely ineffective, and goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari wasn’t tested much.
In the closing moments of the first half, a pass from Guarrotxena to Brison presented a potential goal-scoring opportunity. However, Brison opted to cross rather than take a solo shot, and the ball went unanswered in the box. Despite this missed chance, FC Goa delivered a dominant first-half performance.
In the second half, FC Goa maintained their dominance but lacked the firepower they showed in the first half.
Chennaiyin struggled to break down FC Goa's clinical passing and tight defence, but could not taste success. Their efforts lacked coordination and intensity, failing to resemble the same team that had drawn against a strong Mohun Bagan Super Giant side some days back.
Despite the late push, including a near-goal from Farukh Choudhary in the 68th minute, Chennaiyin’s attack remained ineffective.
FC Goa, while largely content with their 2-0 lead, made few attempts at goal in the second half, and coach Manolo appeared to be unhappy on the sidelines for allowing space to Chennaiyin players late in the game.
In the final moments, Odei Onaindia cleared a dangerous situation when Chennaiyin's Connor Shields moved dangerously in the penalty box, and that was it. It was undeniably FC Goa's day and weekend.
With 33 points after 17 games, FC Goa remain 4 points behind leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Their next home challenge comes on February 6 against Odisha FC, but before that the face-off with Jamshedpur FC away from home on February 2 will shape their ISL Shield aspirations.