-Soumyaroop Mukherjee

ISL 2026: Chennaiyin FC held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the first home game of the season. FC Goa fought back late on Sunday. But the Gaurs did not manage to win the game against the sturdy defence of Chennaiyin. Chennaiyin will next face ISL debutants Inter Kashi on April 7.

Head coach Clifford Rayes Miranda changed his starting eleven. Eduardo Kau started for the first time this season. He replaced injured midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer. Maheson Singh and Daniel Chima Chukwu also came in. Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz saved low in the eighth minute. Laldinliana Renthlei then blocked another Goa threat.

Chennaiyin grow into game before injury blow

Chennaiyin soon found rhythm and created pressure. In the 11th minute, Imran Khan found Chima. His flick set up Maheson, who struck the post. Farukh Choudhary then forced a save from range. Chima later went off injured. Irfan Yadwad replaced him and impressed quickly.

Irfan linked play, won a corner, and tested Goa. Nawaz stayed calm with routine saves before half-time. Chennaiyin kept tempo after the break. In the 48th minute, Irfan punished a defensive error. He stayed calm and finished well for 1-0. He continued to unsettle Goa’s defence.

Late Goa comeback denies Chennaiyin full points

Chennaiyin pushed for a second goal late on. In the 82nd minute, Farukh’s close-range shot was blocked. Kau then made an important defensive stop. Nawaz claimed several crosses under pressure. Goa equalised in the 88th minute. Sandesh Jhingan headed in after Nawaz denied Dejan Drazic.

Chennaiyin pressed in stoppage time for a winner. Alberto Noguera went down under a heavy challenge. The referee gave a corner instead of a penalty. Nawaz then produced another sharp save with his foot. The scores stayed level at full time.

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