FATORDA: FC Goa dream of their first ISL crown remained unfulfilled as they bowed out of the competition following their 5-6 aggregate defeat against Chennaiyin FC despite winning a thrilling 4-2 in the second leg at Fatorda on Saturday.
The Gaurs displayed one of the finest display in the semi-finals.
There were attempts, there were inroads, the players were at their best and as expected riding on the voice of 18,000 odd spectators managed to take the lead through a L Goian (10’) own goal and then soon doubled the account through Mourtada Fall (21’) to put them in drivers’ seat in the first half.
But what let them down is their own fate. FC Goa had conceded maximum goals (12) between 46-60 minutes throughout the season prior to this match and once again, on Saturday, they failed to keep a check on their defence during that particular time as Chennaiyin gave Goa their worst nightmare scoring twice in the span of eight minutes through L Chhangte (52’) and Valskis (59’).
Though Edu Bedia (81’) and Fall (83’) raised hopes of another comeback, however, it was a brilliant display from Chennaiyin FC keeper Vishal Kaith which ensured the visitors their third final appearance.
With Hugo Boumous and Brandon Fernandes back in the side, FC Goa started with hunger to score from the word go displaying an attacking brand of football and it didn’t take long before they shot into the lead when Lucian Goian guided the ball into his own net in a bid of clearing a Jackichand Singh cross.
Goa, deservingly, playing a free flow football pinned Chennaiyin FC in their own territory and doubled the lead when Mourtada Fall headed in a perfect Brandon delivery to make it 2-0.
While the team celebrated the lead, Hugo sat on the field unable to continue forcing Clifford to bring on Edu Bedia in the game.
The Gaurs looked in right course at the break as they enjoyed a good two goal lead.
Soon after restart they had a glorious chance to score their third which Jackichand squandered after a brilliant work from Corominas. The Gaurs were soon punished for their miss as Lallianzuala Chhangte capitalised on Nawaz’s Crivellaro save which fell into his path, and the last man scored.
Soon Chennaiyin star striker Valskis dented Goa’s hopes when he nodded in a Crivellaro’s cross.
In final minutes of the game, Goa scored two more goals through Fall and Edu Bedia, but that wasn’t enough as Chennaiyin Fc sailed through to the finals. Saviour Gama was sent off late in the game after receiving his second booking.
Chennaiyin FC, the two times champions will await the winners of ATK and Bengaluru as they fight for their third crown in six seasons.
