By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.
Balwant Singh becomes first Indian to score in ISL 2014 as Chennaiyin FC trump FC Goa 2-1
Balwant Singh and Elano star in Chennaiyin FC's 2-1 victory over FC Goa.
Chennaiyin FC became the first team in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 to win a match on their travels when they beat FC Goa 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Wednesday evening. The hosts were undone by goals from Balwant Singh and Elano Blumer even as Gregory Arnolin’s second-half strike gave Zico’s side a chance of salvaging at least a point.
The home team started the game brightly and looked hungry for goal right from the start with Youness Bengelloun and Edgar Marcelino failing to threaten Gennaro Bracigliano’s goal. Chennaiyin FC took time but found their footing as Elano won a free-kick in a dangerous area. Though nothing came off it Marco Materazzi’s side started gaining momentum with efforts from Bruno Pelissari and Miguel Herlein few minutes later.
FC Goa’s marquee player Robert Pires was a constant target for the visiting marksman and kept fouling the Arsenal legend time and again. The first goal of the match came in the 32nd minute when Balwant Singh got his name on the scoresheet with a considerable slice of luck; thus becoming the first Indian to score in ISL 2014.
Dhanachandra Singh raced down the left-hand side and delivered a beautiful cross in search of a team-mate to open the scoring. The ball was poorly cleared by Narayan Das and Elano reacted quickly and looked to create an opportunity for himself. The Goan defence tripped him and the ball rolled kindly for Balwant to score. The 27-year-old’s shot was initially thought to have been saved by Jan Seda’s legs but the ball turned direction and bounced straight inside goal.
Zico’s side looked to respond three minutes later and Edgar Marcelino went close to scoring from a free-kick. The 30-year-old’s attempted shot from 35-yards took a deflection off Bojan Djordjic in the CFC wall and wrong-footed Bracigliano; but the ball flew just over the crossbar for a corner. Chennaiyin FC, the team co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan and MS Dhoni, doubled their lead when Elano showed his Brazilian flair and curled home a free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box.
The Goan outfit once again started the half on a high with Holicharan Narzary proving to be a pain on the left-hand side for Chennaiyin defence. Zico decided to take off Marcelino and bring Bruno Pinheiro in his place. Clifford Miranda took Narzary’s place in the 62nd minute and his introduction sparked quiet the reaction that the home side needed. The 32-year-old’s corner was cleared but he received it back from his Gabriel Fernandes. His cross was heading towards the byeline but Youness Bengelloun did well to keep the ball alive and play it across the face of goal, where Gregory Arnolin was present to tap the ball in and pull one back for FC Goa.
Chennaiyin’s marquee player Elano was taken off and John Mendoza was brought on in his place and the Colombian saw his shot blocked by Gregory. Zico threw Ranti Martins no in what was his last roll of the dice and the Nigerian nearly made an immediate impact. Fernandes delivered a tempting cross inside the danger area and the former Dempo star thought he had netted the equaliser. But Bracigliano reacted swiftly to block the striker’s effort and retain his side’s lead.
FC Goa tried to break the Chennai defence once again but couldn’t find anything even as Ranti Martins had a shout for penalty waved off. Materazzi saw his side hold on to clinch all three points and join Atletico de Kolkata and NorthEast United on top of the points table. Chennaiyin FC will now face rivals from their neighbouring state Kerala Blasters FC, who fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against NEUFC last Monday; who will welcome Zico’s side to Guwahati after their match against Atletico de Kolkata.
Read More: Indian Super League: Full Fixture List and Match Schedule
ISL 2014 Table & Results: Point Table and Standings
Also Read:
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Sports News on India.com.