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Chennaiyin FC are ISL kings
Highlights
Chennaiyin FC scored twice in the 90th minute to snatch a pulsating 3-2 victory over FC Goa to win the second edition of the India Super League (ISL) here on Sunday. Colombian striker John Stiven Mendoza compensated for his missed penalty to score in the 90th minute and claim the victory in a fluctuating contest at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Fatorda: Chennaiyin FC scored twice in the 90th minute to snatch a pulsating 3-2 victory over FC Goa to win the second edition of the India Super League (ISL) here on Sunday. Colombian striker John Stiven Mendoza compensated for his missed penalty to score in the 90th minute and claim the victory in a fluctuating contest at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
He also became the highest goal-scorer of the eight-team football tournament with 12 goals. The match was goalless at halftime, but sprang into life after the break when Bruno Pelissari (54th minute) gave the visitors the lead with a penalty. Thongkhosiem Haokip (58th) and Joffre Mateu (88th) made it 2-1 for Goa.
But an own goal in the 90th minute from goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani turned the tide and an opportunistic goal from Mendoza seconds later saw Chennaiyin claim the thrilling victory. Goa coach Zico named an unchanged side after beating Delhi Dynamos 3-0 in the second leg of the semi-final.
Chennaiyin coach Marco Materazzi benched marquee Brazilian Elano, opting for attacking midfielder Bruno Pelissari in their only change in the starting line-up to the team that played in the second leg against Atletico de Kolkata. Pelissari could have justified his inclusion on 17 minutes when he swivelled menacingly past a couple of defenders to enter the box, but inexplicably went for power instead of precision and blazed his shot wide.
It was the most definite opportunity any player from either side would get in the first half. Chennaiyin's offensive play revolved around Mendoza just as Goa's was dependant on Leo Moura. Goa's banking on the Brazilian deepened further when Dudu Omagbemi had to be substituted on eighth minutes after suffering a concussion following a clash of heads during an aerial tussle. Brazilian midfielder Jonatan Lucca replaced the Nigerian scorer.
Both teams were nervous and physical in their approach, aiming to wrestle the initiative. Mispasses were frequent and the action failed to hit any rhythm despite some dangerous pacy moves. Goa's Rafael Coelho received one such chance but witnessed his header getting blocked on the line while the slippery Mendoza threatened with a low angular drive.
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