Goa edge Chennai in goal fest

FC Goa broke their home duck against Chennaiyin FC in a dramatic fashion after scripting a stunning 5-4 victory in their final Hero Indian Super League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Goa here on Thursday.

The visitors took the lead three times but found themselves down in the 76th minute for the first time when Rafael Coelho scored his second goal of the night. He seemed to have done enough but Chennai drew level in the 88th minute after substitute John Arne Riise converted a penalty. It seemed Goa would have to wait till next season to carve their first win at home over the visitors until Sahil Tavora stunned everyone with the winner in added time.

Goa scored through a brace each from Coelho (6th minute, 76th minute), Tavora (68th minute, 90th minute) and Joffre Gonzalez (21st minute). Chennai netted through Jerry Lalrinzuala (4th minute), Gregory Arnolin (own goal, 14th minute), Dudu Omagbemi (28th minute) and Riise (88th).

The victory took Goa’s points tally to 14 but they still finished at the bottom. The defending champions, meanwhile, finished seventh with 15 points.

Chennai surged ahead in the fourth minute itself when Jerry scored from a free-kick to dazzle goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani but Goa soon equalised as Rafael Coelho got hold of a through ball from Joffre and then scored with ease.

Chennai took the lead for the second time in the 14th minute when Anirudh Thapa’s shot that hit the post, struck Goa defender Arnolin and sailed into the net. Just like the first setback, Goa drew level for the second time, this time Joffre scored from a penalty.

The visitors enjoyed a 3-2 advantage at half-time as Dudu Omagbemi capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 28th minute.

In the second session, Zico made a couple of changes and Goa not just equalised through Tavora but also moved up for the first time as Coelho gave finishing touches to a brilliant long ball from Trindade Goncalves in the 76th minute.

 The goal seemed enough for Goa to pocket full points as they fell back and defended but there was disappointment as Raju Gaikwad handled the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty which Riise scored.

Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Tavora scored a wonder goal from the left. His shot from distance kissed the post and sailed into the net hand Goa victory.