Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 1 – 0 in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday. Inigo Calderon’s goal early in the second half proved to be the difference between the clubs as the result meant that the home team has only a point to show from their last four games.

Chennaiyin took the attack to the hosts from the word go. Francisco Fernandes got on the end of Gregory Nelson’s cross in the third minute, but his header, which was on target was blocked by Goa defender Bruno Pinheiro.

Almost immediately after that, Calderon controlled the ball inside the box and shot on goal, but it went well over the crossbar. Calderon came closer in the 24th minute when he connected well with Jerry Lalrinzuala’s lay-off. His shot was however inches wide of the target.

Eight minutes before half-time, the visitors created a brilliant chance. Goa custodian Naveen Kumar palmed away Bikramjit Singh’s dangerous cross from the right, but the ball fell straight to Jeje Lalpekhlua. His first-time shot though, was well-saved by Kumar who had got up to recover quickly. It was the last chance of the half, as the teams went into the break without the deadlock being broken.

Seven minutes after the restart, the visitors took the lead. Gregory Nelson’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by Kumar, but Jeje drilled in a low cross from the loose ball, and from the melee, Calderon managed to roll the ball into the net.

Five minutes after the hour mark, Goa finally created their first chance of reckoning when Edu Bedia tried a shot from just outside the box which went off the crossbar. The Gaurs then nearly went on to equalise in the 70th minute.

Substitute Hugo Boumous struck a wayward volley from the edge of the box, but it was straight at Ferran Corominas who tried to deflect the ball in and ended up directing it straight into the hands of a relieved Karanjit Singh instead.

The 88th minute then saw Goa subject to some bad luck. First, Brandon Fernandes’ curled effort from distance cannoned off the crossbar. Following that, Corominas’ shot after going through on goal ricocheted off the upright before bouncing off Karanjit and going out of harm’s way. However, it was not to be Goa’s night as Chennaiyin jumped to the third position after the 1 – 0 success.

MATCH AWARDS

Club Award: Chennaiyin FC

Swift Moment of the Match: Inigo Calderon

DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Gregory Nelson

Amul Fittest Player: Raphael Augusto

Emerging Player: Jerry Lalrinzuala

Hero of the Match: Mailson Alves

Watch the match highlights here: