FC Goa began their Hero Indian Super League 2017-18 journey with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hero ISL 2015 winners, Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. After two goalless fixtures in the first two matches, Hero ISL’s fourth edition witnessed its first goal of the season through Ferran Corominas. Brandon Fernandes assisted the first goal and Mandar Rao Dessai became the first Indian to score in Hero ISL 2017-18 after netting Goa’s third of the night. Post-match, indiansuperleague.com caught up with Fernandes and Dessai for insights on the five-goal encounter. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Mandar, how does it feel to come to Chennai and start with a win?

It was a very important game for us and we had to win it to start our season well. We have done it and we are really happy.

Brandon, any concerns when Chennai scored those two goals in the second half?

Yes. When they scored those two goals, we were under pressure and I think the team did really well to keep calm and end the match with a win.

Mandar, what were the instructions from the coach during the halftime break?

The coach said if you get the chances in the second half, you should score and finish the game. But in the second half, we were under a lot of pressure from them and then [we conceded] two goals. It was a tough second half I think, but we came out as winners.

Brandon, your thoughts on Mandar's goal which he sweetly struck with his left foot?

As usual, Mandar does very well for his team. I am very happy that he scored for us and very happy that he won us (the match).

Mandar, Brandon opened with an assist. Your thoughts on his performance today?

Both of us, we enjoy in the dressing room and we do the same in the game. We are really happy with the three points we got.

Lastly, Brandon and you seem to be gelling very well together? Was it the pre-season which helped you click?

Yes, we have played together before and in the pre-season also we played together. So, we have that bond, which we use as a weapon to destroy teams.