FC Goa came from behind to secure a 4-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, advancing to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2023.

A debut goal from Carl McHugh at the half-hour mark levelled the score for the Gaurs, responding to Bikash Yumnam's early header that put Chennaiyin FC in the lead within the opening five minutes. Carlos Martinez then pushed FC Goa ahead before Noah Sadaoui and Victor Rodriguez sealed the deal for the Gaurs.

The game kicked off with an early breakthrough for Chennaiyin FC in the 5th minute, as Yumnam capitalised on a corner kick to fire the ball into the back of the net, catching the Goa defence off-guard and giving his team an early lead.
FC Goa, however, quickly turned the tables on their opponents with an impressive attacking display. In the 30th minute, new signing Carl McHugh found himself in the right place at the right time to convert a precise headed pass from Noah Sadaoui, levelling the scoreline with a clinical finish that also earned him his first goal for his new team.

The Gaurs then continued to press forward, showcasing their attacking intent. The 37th minute witnessed a moment of pure brilliance from Carlos Martinez, as he cleverly spotted the Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Samik Mitra off his line and executed a perfectly weighted lob from just outside the six-yard box. The ball sailed gracefully over Mitra and nestled into the far corner of the net, giving the Men in Orange a much-deserved lead.

The second half delivered riveting moments, with both teams pushing hard for their respective goals. Goa had their opportunities, with Sandesh Jhingan’s header from a Brandon Fernandes free-kick narrowly missing the target in the 63rd minute. A remarkable save by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh in the 72nd minute denied Chennaiyin FC’s Jordan Murray from point-blank range.

In the closing minutes of the match, FC Goa once again demonstrated their offensive prowess. During the second minute of stoppage time, Sadaoui seized the opportunity presented by a precise assist from McHugh, showcasing exceptional composure within the six-yard box and further extending FC Goa's lead.

Shortly after that, substitute Victor Rodriguez added the finishing touch, capitalizing on an assist from fellow substitute Boris Singh, thus widening the gap to 4-1.

FC Goa will now face the winner of the fourth quarter-final, which is between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, in semi-final 2, on August 31.

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FC GoaChennaiyin FC