ISL 2020 playoffs, Match Highlights, FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC: Chennai survive late onslaught to book berth in final

FT | FCG 4 – 2 CFC (5-6)

It seemed like it would be a relatively easy night for Chennaiyin FC, who came into this match with a three-goal lead. It wasn’t. Goa managed to cut the lead down to just one goal on two separate occasions, on either side of Chennaiyin’s two second-half strikes, and Chennaiyin were pushed all the way to their limits. However, the Owen Coyle side displayed incredible grit and determination to hang on, and are deservingly through to the final.

91’ | FCG 4 – 2 CFC (5-6)

FC Goa get a free-kick thanks to a hand ball. Brandon Fernandes whips in an excellent ball, but it’s straight down the keeper’s throat. Mourtada Fall then fluffs an excellent chance a few minutes later, trying to head a ball at knee-level when he should’ve just put his foot through it. There’s four minutes of added time, not as much as FC Goa would have hoped for, but enough, maybe.

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80’ | FCG 4 – 2 CFC (5-6)

Typical. Just typical. No sooner had I said that this was done, Edu Bedia scores a goal to inject some tension back into this game. I mean, it’s far from close, FC Goa still need three more goals. Wait. Scratch that. They need two more goals. Mourtada Fall has just scored a header. We have a game on our hands!!

78’ | FCG 2 – 2 CFC (3-6)

Mourtada Fall is now essentially a striker, and to his credit, he’s shown some good movement for a man his size. The problem FC Goa face however, is that Chennaiyin still look like they could score at any time. I might be putting the cart in front of the horse here, but I think we can stick a fork in this it’s done.

Owen Coyle 15 minutes later

Owen Coyle at half-time

59’ | FCG 2 – 2 CFC (3-6)

Nerijus Valskis does what he does best, and scores under pressure! The goal comes from a corner in which FC Goa fail to pick up the striker, who spins away from defenders and fires in his header from close range. This is essentially the death knell for Goa’s qualification. They need to score four goals in half an hour. The word unlikely doesn’t even begin to do the situation justice.

52’ | FCG 2 – 1 CFC (3-5)

You had one job Goa! Don’t concede. And yet, somehow Lallianzuala Chhangte is allowed to score the easiest goal of his life. Much of this is down to some truly awful keeping from Nawaz, who pushes a relatively simple shot straight into the path of Chhangte. This goal is vital for Chennai, and it’s taken the wind out of Goa’s sails.

48’ | FCG 2 – 0 CFC (3-4)

Oh my word, Jackichand misses a chance, and that one was put on a platter for him! To be fair, it does bounce a bit before reaching him, but you’d expect someone named after Jackie Chan to display a bit more dexterity. Look within, young Jackichand. Float like butterfly, sting like bee and all that

HT | FCG 2 – 0 CFC (3-4)

What a first half this has been for FC Goa. They’ve been the better side on every front, and Chennaiyin FC have been tossed about like rag dolls in their wake. Can Chennaiyin hold on and see this game through, or will FC Goa get the win? We’re 45 minutes away from finding out

40’ | FCG 2 – 0 CFC (3-4)

FC Goa are controlling the game now, and have dropped the pace considerably. It makes sense, they can protect their 2-0 lead until half-time, and then press for the third foal in the second half. Now that they’re more calm and organised, Chennai look very disjointed up front, and none of their attacks are really coming even close to turning into real viable opportunities.

22’ | FCG 2 – 0 CFC (3-4)

The goal has come at a cost for Goa however, with Hugo Boumous going down injured. He’s replaced by Edu Bedia, and it looks like it’s serious, as Boumous is carried out on a stretcher. If FC Goa get to the final, this could be a problem for them. Boumous has been involved in 21 goals, and he’s a vital asset.

21’ | FCG 2 – 0 CFC (3-4)

Lenny Rodrigues wins a free-kick on the edge of Chennaiyin’s penalty area. Brandon stands over it, takes a look at where everyone’s standing, and delivers an absolute peach of a ball. Mourtada Fall seems to rise in slow motion, his gigantic frame ever so slowly leaving Earth and achieving liftoff to meet the ball, before thundering in an excellent header.

18’ | FCG 1 – 0 CFC (2-4)

We’re not watching football anymore, this is more akin to fencing, with move after move being executed with blinding speed. Chennaiyin FC have responded well to going behind, but Goa look just as threatening. I’m feeling winded just watching this one.

11’ | FCG 1 – 0 CFC (2-4)

Oh my word, Lucian Goian has scored an own goal! What was he thinking there? The Chennaiyin defender puts a cross from Jackichand Singh into his own net with a spectacular diving header. He’s scored in three matches in a row now, but he might not be rushing to claim this one! FC Goa are in with a chance here!

5’ | FCG 0 – 0 CFC (1-4)

And there’s a shot on target for Chennaiyin! It came from a Crivellaro free-kick, and it was from too far out to really trouble the FC Goa goalkeeper, but it’ll serve to remind Goa that they cannot afford to concede another goal.

2’ | FCG 0 – 0 CFC (1-4)

FC Goa have started this match like a dog let off its leash, and almost instantly, Lalrinzuala gives away a free-kick on the edge of Chennai’s penalty area. Jahouh takes the set-piece and lofts it to Pena at the far post, whose header is wide. Early sign of intent from the Gaurs.

1’ | FCG 0 – 0 CFC (1-4)

And we’re underway! Can FC Goa pull off what would surely be one of the greatest comebacks ever in the brief history of the Indian Super League> On the face of it, it seems pretty similar. They need to score three goals, a feat they’re more than capable of managing. But concede even once and it instantly becomes more complicated. Let’s see how it unfolds.

Boosted by key players’ return, Gaurs hope for miracle in second leg semi-final

Their semi-final first-leg loss came almost out of nowhere, and while it looks pretty difficult on paper with the Gaurs currently trailing 1-4, the equation is pretty simple: Win the match by a scoreline of 3-0 or more without conceding within the usual 90 minutes.

Click here to read more of PN Vishnu’s preview of tonight’s match!

There’s not much separating these two

.@ChennaiyinFC have been unbeaten against @FCGoaOfficial in the knockout stages of #HeroISL. 🙌

Will they extend that streak tonight or can the Gaurs fight back?#FCGCFC #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/h1CQCkEbEZ

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 7, 2020

Coming back from three goals down in a major semi-final would definitely be one way of making it special

.@mandar17dessai is set to play his 100th game for the Gaurs in all competitions. 💯

A remarkable feat! 🧡#BeGoa #FCGCFC #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/6XN4yUpsR7

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 7, 2020

Coming back from three goals down in a major semi-final would definitely be one way of making it special

.@mandar17dessai is set to play his 100th game for the Gaurs in all competitions. 💯

A remarkable feat! 🧡#BeGoa #FCGCFC #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/6XN4yUpsR7

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 7, 2020

The visitors remain unchanged from the first-leg fixture

TEAM NEWS 📋

We're going in with the same starting XI as the first leg 💪#FCGCFC #AattamReloaded @ApolloXSports @apollotyres pic.twitter.com/Bq55kRSg6O

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) March 7, 2020

Here’s how the hosts will line up!

📋 | Hugo and Brandon are back in the side as Interim Coach Clifford Miranda names his line-up for tonight's clash against @ChennaiyinFC. 🧡💪🏻

Let's do this! 🔥#BeGoa #FCGCFC #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/5YaH3vG7x1

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 7, 2020

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Indian Super League playoffs!

FC Goa have a mountain to climb, having been subjected to a 4-1 defeat in the first leg of their semi-final against Chennaiyin FC. The Gaurs will be relying heavily on home advantage, and will need to come out swinging. Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, cannot afford to play too defensively against a team with the attacking might of Goa, and will need to find balance in their play. All in all, this looks like an absolute cracker, so stay tuned for live updates!