Chennaiyin FC have thrashed FC Goa in the first leg of the semifinal of Hero Indian Super League. Chennaiyin FC have finished their League campaign at the fourth position. On the other hand, FC Goa have been at the top of the League table. FC Goa have already qualified for the AFC Champions League.
According to the authorities of Indian Super League, the winner of the playoffs will get the chance to play in the AFC Cup. If FC Goa wins the playoffs, the second-placed side after the League stage will qualify for the AFC Cup. So, all the teams in the playoffs will try to give their best in both legs.
Chennaiyin FC have been showing some great form in the later stage of the League. They have dented the hopes of Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC to reach the semifinal this season. The first leg of the semifinal has taken place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Chennaiyin FC have been on the attacking side from the very first minute of the match. FC Goa have not shown enough intent in the first half. They have been happy to defend the attacking threats of Chennaiyin FC throughout the first half. The first half has ended with a scoreline of 0-0 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
Lucian Goian has given the lead to Chennaiyin FC at the 54th minute of the game. Rafael Crivellaro has provided the ball towards him. Jerry Lalrinzuala and Mourtada Fall have been shown yellow cards for bad fouls. Anirudh Thapa’s stupendous strike has helped Chennaiyin FC to double their lead. Jerry Lalrinzuala has provided the ball towards Anirudh Thapa at the time of the Goal. Eli Sabia has scored the third goal of the match for the home side at the 77th minute of the match.
Nerijus Valskis has provided the ball towards Eli Sabia during the Goal. Lalrinzuala Chhangte has scored the fourth goal of the match for Chennaiyin FC. Jerry Lalrinzuala has provided the ball towards Chhangte during the goal. It has been the second assist for Jerry Lalrinzuala in this match. Chennaiyin FC have completely destroyed the defensive unit of FC Goa. Chennaiyin FC have shown their intent in the field. FC Goa have been completely off-colour on the given day. They have also got few opportunities, but they have failed to utilize those. It will certainly haunt them in the next leg in Goa.
Saviour Gama has scored a goal for FC Goa at the 85th minute of the match. However, it has been too late for FC Goa to make a comeback. They have win the next leg with a margin of 3-0 to qualify for the final of this season. The hosts FC will certainly be defending with all their hearts out in the return leg. So, it will be an extremely difficult ask for FC Goa to pull this off in style. Chennaiyin FC are now clear favourites to go through to the Final of Hero Indian Super League this season.
