Goa Bow Out Of ISL On A High After 5-4 Defeat Of Chennaiyin

Goa FC have bowed out of the 2016 Hero ISL on a high, after beating outgoing champions Chennaiyin FC 5-4 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday evening, in front of 15,000 spectators.

The 9 goal thriller, the highest scoring game in the league’s history, took place at the same venue as last year’s controversial summit clash between the sides, which ended with Chennaiyin taking the trophy and Goa as runners-up, a far cry from this campaign where Goa end bottom of the table.

This game was full of twists and turns. Jerry Lalrinzuala opened the goalscoring in the match for the defending champions in the 4th minute, but by FC Goa equalised through Rafael Coelho a minute later.

Chennaiyin then took the lead through an own goal from Gregory Arnolin but the homeside reverted after Joffre Mateu scored from the penalty spot in the 21st minute.

The visitors once again went ahead in the 28th minute through Omagbemi Dudu. Goa waited until the 68th minute to equalise through Sahil Tavora.

The home side went ahead for the first time in the 76th minute through Coelho and Chennaiyin equalised in the 88th minute through Arne Riise’s penalty.

Both sides still searched for the winner and then seconds before the referee blew the final whistle in extra time, Tavora struck for Goa, leaving the visitors stunned.

Meanwhile, despite a number of chances from both sides, Atletico de Kolkata played out a goalless draw with Pune City at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata on Friday.

ATK had the front foot for the majority of the first half and had a number of shots on target drawing out fine saves from Pune goalkeeper.

Atletico had already qualified for the playoffs and found themselves in second place on the ISL table after the match, whilst Pune were already out of the equation.