Chennai, Oct 24: Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw during their Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. In a match filled with twists and turns, Daniel Chima’s late header proved vital in earning a point for the hosts, while FC Goa had to settle for yet another draw in what has been a tightly contested ISL season.
Chennaiyin FC started on the front foot and took an early lead in the 11th minute through a superb finish by Wilmar Jordan. However, despite dominating for large parts of the first half, they could not maintain their advantage. Just before the halftime whistle, Udanta Singh restored parity for FC Goa with a well-taken header, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
The second half brought more drama as FC Goa capitalised on a penalty opportunity after Chennaiyin’s Dejan Drazic committed a foul in the box. Armando Sadiku made no mistake from the spot, sending his right-footed strike into the corner of the net in the 51st minute to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Sadiku’s calm finish sent Goa ahead, putting them in the driver’s seat as they looked to secure three points.
However, Chennaiyin refused to back down. With the clock ticking and the hosts facing the possibility of a second consecutive defeat, Daniel Chima rose to the occasion. In the 79th minute, Chima connected with a pinpoint cross from Connor Shields and produced a powerful header that beat FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, bringing the match level at 2-2. The goal ignited the home crowd, as Chennaiyin fought hard to hold on for the draw.The game saw plenty of action from both sides, with opportunities created at both ends of the pitch. In the opening minutes, Wilmar Jordan had a close chance when his header just sailed over the crossbar. Chennaiyin set the tone early by applying pressure, winning a penalty corner in the second minute, but FC Goa responded well with Rowllin Borges coming close to scoring in the fifth minute with a shot that narrowly missed the target.
Chennaiyin’s opener came when Jordan latched onto a well-timed pass, slotting the ball past Dheeraj Singh to put the hosts 1-0 up. The lead, however, was short-lived. (Agencies)
Bengaluru FC face Kerala Blasters
Kochi, Oct 24: Leaders Bengaluru FC, the only team yet to concede a goal in five matches this season, will face a stern test against an in-form Kerala Blasters who will have the advantage of playing at home in a crucial ISL clash here on Friday.
Having endured a 1-2 loss to Punjab FC in their season-opening encounter, Kerala Blasters FC are yet to lose another game in four matches.
Since then, the Mikael Stahre-coached side have won twice and drawn twice to be placed in top-five to equal their similar run in October-November 2023.
With such a run, the Blasters are set to give the table-topping Bengaluru FC a real challenge in what promises to be an intense Southern Derby.
Gerard Zaragoza’s Bengaluru side will also be battling history, having never kept a clean sheet in five ISL games at this venue, losing their last three encounters here.Their flawless defensive record this season will be put to the test.However, Bengaluru FC hold the edge in head-to-head encounters, having won nine out of 15 meetings in the ISL. The Blues have lost four times, while two matches ended in a draw.In total, 40 goals have been scored in this fixture, with Bengaluru FC once again leading the way, netting 24 goals compared to Kerala Blasters’ 16. (PTI)