Chennai: Not exactly sweet revenge but FC Goa will be pleased with their 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC that takes them to the top of the Indian Super League table.
The win coming through two goals from penalties scored by Leo Moura (64th minute) and Jonatan Lucca (74th minute) in Chennai on Thursday gave FC Goa 14 points, while Chennaiyin FC suffered their fourth loss in eight matches and are placed fifth with 10 points.
Worse for Chennaiyin FC, Harmanjyot Khabra was sent off in the 89th minute, the second time he has been shown the red card in the league.
Chennaiyin FC had defeated FC Goa 4-0 in the away clash in Goa and it was not surprising to see the visitors opt for an extra man in defence. The five-man defence made it difficult for Chennaiyin FC to break them down, although Stiven Mendoza had good chances to open the account.
The best chance fell at the feet of Mendoza in the 35th minute. Elano Blumer’s free kick missed all FC Goa defenders and fell nicely for Mendoza but the Colombian striker could not believe his luck when the right-footed attempt from close range sailed wide of the target.
FC Goa did not have too many clear looks at the rival goal but Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho, playing for the first time, showed promise. He twice managed to speed his way down the left flank but did not cross well enough and T Haokip came close in the 45th minute but Mehrajuddin Wadoo somehow managed to push the ball out for an abortive corner.
FC Goa turned it around in the second session with two spot kicks, both of which were converted with ease.
The first was in the 64th minute when a long, hasty clearance by FC Goa defender Luciano saw Rafael race ahead with the ball towards the Chennaiyin FC goal only for Mendy to bring the Brazilian striker down. Referee awarded a penalty which Moura converted by sending Karanjit the wrong way.
Goa won the second penalty in the 74th minute. Moura pulled a ball back from inside a crowded goalmouth for Rafael whose shot was headed towards goal but Wadoo blocked it with his knee only for the rebound to strike his own hand. Another penalty and this time Jonatan Lucca stepped up and made it 2-0.
Chennaiyin FC finished the match with 10 men after Harmanjyot Khabra, who had only returned after serving suspension for a red card, was sent off for a tackle on Moura in the 89th minute.
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