PANJIM: Chennaiyin FC edged past Jamshedpur FC 2-1 thanks to an early goal from Anirudh Thapa followed by Esmael Goncalves spot kick in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan here on Tuesday.
Last season’s golden boot winner Nerijus Valskis (37′) pulled a goal back for the steel men but a string of misses ensured that Owen Coyle started the season with a defeat to the team he managed last season.
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Thapa got the game off to an electrifying start, scoring in the very first minute. Rafael Crivellaro won the ball and found Goncalves on the right flank. His low cross was powered into the net by the midfielder, the exuberance of his celebration matching that of his finish.
Lallianzuala Chhangte missed a chance to score in the 20th minute. His first touch, as he received Crivellaro’s excellent pass, took the ball away and the subsequent effort was pushed behind by Rehenesh.
But he made amends five minutes later, drawing a push from Isaac Vanmalsawma inside the box and winning a penalty. Goncalves did not make a mistake from the spot.
Stephen Eze should have headed home in the 64th minute but missed the target while Jackichand failed to capitalise on an error by Chennaiyin keeper Vishal Kaith four minutes later. Jamshedpur were left to rue their misses as Chennaiyin held on for the win.
