That is it from this game but the action in the Hero ISL continues on Saturday, the 22nd of October with a doubleheader. The first game will be played between Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC and will begin at 5.30 pm IST. That game will be followed by a clash between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC at 7.30 pm IST. Cheers!
Awards!
The Club Award goes to FCG for winning the game. The Hero of the Match Award goes to Noah Wail Sadaoui for his 2 goal contributions.
Two out of two!
FCG went ahead in the tenth minute of the game via Redeem Tlang's header from a Noah Wail Sadaoui cross. Following that goal, it was end-to-end action, but neither FCG nor CFC were able to find the net. CFC continued to create chances post-resumption. Rahim Ali wasted a great opportunity when his shot sailed over the crossbar, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. The game ebbed and flowed, but neither side was able to find the back of the net in regulation time. With CFC running out of time to find an equalizer, FCG put the final nail in the coffin in added time. Noah Wail Sadaoui, the assist provider of the first goal, turned into a goal scorer as he slotted it home to give FCG a 2-0 lead. So, it is FCG that comes up trumps tonight and keeps their 100% win rate intact. On the other hand, CFC will certainly rue their missed chances and will look to bounce back in the next game.
90'
Full time!
The referee blows the final whistle and FCG seal a comfortable 2-0 win! They are the only team with the 100% win record and they take top spot on the table.
90'
Fallen shoulders!
The goal seems to have taken away the will of the CFC players as they look crestfallen and the games seems to have slowed down a bit.
90'
GOOAALLL!!!
FCG have put the game to bed! CFC had committed most of their players ahead looking for an equalizer but Makan Chothe with a long ball gets the ball to the feet of Noah Wail Sadaoui who takes off with towards the CFC with just one defender marking him. He is able to power himself away from the player and takes a shot to the right corner and watches the ball nestle into the nets. He has been rewarded for his effort tonight and FCG have taken a 2-0 lead.
90'
Goal
Goal - FC Goa : Noah
90'
Added time
Due to the injury to Dheeraj Moirangthem, the officials have added on 12 minutes at the end of the game. Can CFC manage to equalize?
89'
Late change!
CFC adding another attacker onto the field. Jobby Justin has been brought on in place a defender and Ajith Kumar will make way.
88'
Substitution
Substitution - Chennaiyin FC (In: Jobby Justin, Out: Ajith Kumar)
88'
What an opportunity!
This games has been really open and we should have had more goals in it! Noah Wail Sadaoui whips in a lovely cross for the right-hand side and the ball reaches Brison Fernandes in front of goal. He is unable to turn it into the goal as he gets a faint trickle on the ball.
83'
Poor connection!
Vincy Barretto gets space on the right flank and is able to put in a cross into the box. The ball loops over the head of the strikers and finds Aakash Sangwan outside the box on the left-side. He swings his legs at the ball but only manages to slice this into the crowd.
82'
No way through!
FCG have possession in midfield but are Eduardo Bedia Pelaez is unable to find any runners in front of him. Decides to attempt a shot from distance and gets it on target but is unable to get enough power on it.
81'
Forced change!
Redeem Tlang looks to be suffering with cramps and is brought off to be replaced by Makan Chothe. With less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining, can FCG hold on to this narrow lead?
81'
Substitution
Substitution - FC Goa (In: Makan Chothe, Out: Redeem Tlang)
76'
End-to-end action!
The pace has quickened and there is urgency from both teams here. CFC look eager for their goal while FCG are showing attack is the best form of defense.
72'
Another change!
Ninthoinganba Meetel is brought on for Prasanth Karuthadathkuni and CFC will be hoping for an impact from their midfielder.
71'
Substitution
Substitution - Chennaiyin FC (In: Ninthoinganba Meetel, Out: Prasanth Karuthadathkuni)
70'
More changes!
Both teams make one change each as Vincy Barretto comes on in place of Rahim Ali for CFC while Mohamed Fares Arnaout replaces Marc Hernandez for FCG.
71'
Substitution
Substitution - Chennaiyin FC (In: Vincy Barretto, Out: Rahim Ali)
71'
Substitution
Substitution - FC Goa (In: Mohamed Fares Arnaout, Out: Marc Hernandez)
67'
Sustained pressure!
FCG have taken the initiative here and all looking to dangerous here. Brison Fernandes shoots off target first and they are unable to make the most of the corner they were granted with Iker Guarrotxena shooting off target as well.
64'
Looking for impetus!
CFC desparately need a spark here and they bring in Kwame Karikari and Aakash Sangwan to replace Fallou Diagne and Y. Jiteshwor Singh. The crowd is really excited by the introduction of Kwame.
64'
Substitution
Substitution - Chennaiyin FC (In: Aakash Sangwan, Out: Y. Jiteshwor Singh)
64'
Substitution
Substitution - Chennaiyin FC (In: Kwame Karikari, Out: Fallou Diagne)
61'
Off-target once again!
Noah Wail Sadaoui gets the ball in midfield and charges towards the goal. He manages to find space to take a shot but once again fails to hit the target as the ball skewers wide.
61'
Double change
FCG make a couple of changes. There was a bit of confusion regards the changes made a few minutes earlier but Glan Martins and Brandon Fernandes are taken off and in come Brison Fernandes and Ayush Dev Chhetri.
61'
Substitution
Substitution - FC Goa (In: Ayush Dev Chhetri, Out: Brandon Fernandes)
59'
Not a pretty sight!
Dheeraj Moirangthem is being stretchered out. Dheeraj is down once again due to the injury he suffered a few minutes earlier and doesn't seem fit to continue. Hopefully, the injury isn't serious but for now, he will be replaced by Arshdeep Singh in goal.
61'
Substitution
Substitution - FC Goa (In: Arshdeep Singh, Out: Dheeraj Moirangthem)
61'
Substitution
Substitution - FC Goa (In: Brison Fernandes, Out: Glan Martins)
55'
Settling down!
After a quick start by CFC in the second half, FCG are now able to see more of the ball. CFC still have more of the ball but aren't quite able to have attempts on goal. FCG are certainly looking to play on the counter and get that crucial second goal.
50'
Man down!
Dheeraj Moirangthem is clobbered by one of his own defenders. Anirudh Thapa takes the free-kick and sends the ball towards the left far side. Dheeraj comes to collect but is taken out and the ball is kept in play by an CFC player. Thankfully for Dheeraj, FCG are able to clear it away. The physio is out to have a look at Dheeraj.
49'
What a chance!
Rahim Ali should have done better and he knows it. Prasanth Karuthadathkuni with another strong run down the right flank and he has a lookup before crossing it inside the box. Ali finds himself unmarked on the farside just inside the box but gets ahead of the ball and swings at it. Ali fails to keep it down with the goal left gaping.
48'
Similar start to the first half
Just the like first half it is CFC who start on the front foot in the second half as well. They keep good possession of the ball around the edge of the box but can't find a way to get the ball inside the box.
46'
Resumption!
The second half is underway and it is FCG who get us underway. They will now attack from left to right and neither team has made any changes at the break.
An intriguing half!
Despite CFC starting the game on the front foot, it was FCG who opened the scoring in the tenth minute. Redeem Tlang guided Noah Wail Sadaoui’s cross past the keeper to send FCG into the lead. FCG started creating chances since the goal but were unable to double the lead. CFC had multiple chances to level the score but they were denied by Dheeraj Moirangthem. CFC will look to start the second half on a positive note in front of their home crowd and get back on level terms. Will FCG be able to protect or even add to their lead? A fascinating second half awaits.
45'
Halftime!
There goes the referee's whistle and it remains FCG 1-0 CFC at the interval.
45'
Missed opportunity!
FCG have had several attempts to kill the game but have yet again failed to do so! They had a wonderful counter-attacking opportunity with three players running at one CFC defender. Noah Wail Sadaoui is slipped in on the right side and has a easy cut back into the path of his teammates. He chooses to go for glory and keeps the ball for far too long and the ball is stolen away from him. A golden opportunity goes begging.
45'
Added time!
There will be two minutes of injury time and FCG will be desparate to go into the break with their lead intact. Can CFC create a few more chances here?
44'
Great Save!
Petar Sliskovic is released onto the goal on the right-side and he takes the ball close to the by-line. He attempts a shot from a tight angle but Dheeraj Moirangthem has his front post covered. The ball loops into the air and almost trickles into the net but the goalkeeper pounces on the ball and thwarts the attack.
43'
Yellow Card
Yellow Card - Chennaiyin FC : Thapa
41'
Fancy attempt!
There is a handball committed just outside the box on the right flank and the ensuing freekick is sent in by Eduardo Bedia Pelaez and the ball is headed back into the path of Iker Guarrotxena who attempts a bicycle kick which is collected easily by the keeper.
38'
Long-range shooting!
Both teams have lacked the finesse in the final third as they have been unable to find a way through. They have resorted to long-range shots with Noah Wail Sadaoui cutting in from the right and taking a wild effort at goal.
35'
Wild effort!
Aibanbha Dohling makes a run from the left and the ball is taken from him and sent back to the keeper who kicks the ball for a throw-in. The ball is thrown into the feet of Glan Martins on the left side of the box and he takes a long-range effort that hits the left side netting.
32'
Good Pressing!
CFC are trying to keep possession in the midfield but FCG are pressing hard and causing mistakes from the CFC players. Glan Martins commits a foul to break the play and kill any momentum.
29'
Show stopper!
Dheeraj Moirangthem has managed to keep FCG in the lead courtesy of his multiple saves. CFC are yet to breach his defence.
25'
Both sides continue to attack!
As we cross the 25-minute mark, it is still FCG with the slender lead. CFC will be looking to pull one back before half-time.
21'
Off-target!
Noah receives the long ball and runs with it towards the edge of the box. He has a shot at the goal but doesn't manage to hit the target as the ball rolls past the right post.
20'
How has that not gone in?
Dheeraj Moirangthem with a couple of unreal saves to keep FCG in front. Prasanth Karuthadathkuni runs down the right flank and then pulls it back beautifully for Rahim Ali who bursts inside the box. Ali has time but takes just one touch before thumping a shot at goal. Dheeraj gets a glove on it and the ball then comes off the crossbar. On the rebound, Sliskovic connects the volley but yet again Dheeraj is able to quickly get back on his feet and make another save.
19'
Waiting game
CFC are finding it difficult to get the ball into the final third. FCG are bossing possession and even when they are losing it, they are able to get the ball back in midfield. CFC need to press the opposition a bit more and force them into making errors.
15'
Keeping the ball
Since the goal, FCG have looked like the more confident side. They are keeping the ball moving and then trying to play through the middle. For now, CFC are doing all the running but aren't able to get a stronghold of the ball.
10'
GOOAALLL!!!
FCG lead against the run of play! Brilliant work from Noah Wail Sadaoui and we can see why he has been put into the starting XI for this game. A long ball is played over the CFC defense on the left side. Noah holds up play well and then with a half-turn just crosses the ball inside the box. Redeem Tlang attacks it well and easily guides it past the keeper into the bottom right corner using his head. FCG lead 1-0.
11'
Goal
Goal - FC Goa : Redeem
8'
CFC looking dangerous
CFC upping the ante here and created a couple of brilliant chances. Ajith Kumar receives a nice through ball as he runs down the right flank and tries to just slide it towards Sliskovic but it is cleared away by an FCG defender. The loose ball is sent back into the box and Sliskovic has an attempt on goal which is well saved by Dheeraj Moirangthem.
3'
Early chance
Fallou Diagne fouls an FCG player a few meters away from the box. Eduardo Bedia Pelaez stands over the ball and takes the free-kick and goes with his favored left foot. He cannot get enough dip on his attempt and the CFC are untroubled.
1'
Let's Football!
CFC get the ball rolling in the first half and they will attack from left to right. They are set up in a 4-4-2 formation whereas FCG have gone for two players in the engine room and are set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Toss
CFC win the flip of the coin and Anirudh Thapa has opted to start off the game in the first half.
National Anthem
We are minutes away from kick-off but first, the two sides will come out of the tunnel and line up for the Indian national anthem.
Devansh Dabas (GK), Ajith Kumar, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Fallou Diagne, Narayan Das, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Anirudh Thapa (C), Julius Duker, Y. Jiteshwor Singh, Petar Sliskovic and Rahim Ali.
Long-standing rivalry!
CFC and FCG had a disappointing Hero ISL 2021-22 season but have positively started this campaign and will be looking to keep the momentum going. CFC were trailing in both their games and showed considerable fight to take points out of them. FC Goa scored a stoppage-time winner in their only game so far and will be playing their second away game in succession. They hold the upper hand over the hosts in head-to-head statistics winning 11 out of the 21 games played and losing 8 with 2 ending in a stalemate. The record is slightly tilted towards FC Goa in the last 10 matches in which they have won 7, lost 2, and drawn one. The last time these two teams played each other was in the Hero ISL 2021-22 season where FC Goa won their away fixture 5-0 completing a double over their opponents having won the home game 1-0. CFC have shown far more intent this year displaying great attacking acumen and taking far more shots on goal in the previous game than they have done in recent times. Y. Jiteshwor Singh put up a stellar performance in the previous game and Petar Sliskovic is proving to be a constant threat up front. They will be without their regular keeper Debjit Majumdar who picked up a red card in the previous game and he will be replaced by Devansh Dabas in the starting line-up. FC Goa will be boosted by the form of their skipper Brandon Fernandes and with Alvaro Vazquez adapting to his new surroundings immediately, they form a dangerous partnership in attack. Their solidity comes from their two deep-lying mid-fielders Glan Martins and Eduardo Bedia Pelaez with the latter contributing with a goal in the last game. This game provides FC Goa with an opportunity to continue being the only team with a 100% win rate while Chennaiyin FC will look to exact revenge for their embarrassing loss last time around.
Battle for supremacy!
It is time for the second game in Matchweek 3 as the football carnival heads into the weekend in the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 with both teams having an opportunity to take the top spot on the table. Chennaiyin FC will be playing their second home game in three matches and will host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. They are currently in third place having won one game and drawn the previous fixture against BFC 1-1 despite being down to 10 men in the closing stages of the game. They miss out on the first position only through goal difference but the visitors have a golden opportunity to leapfrog them after this game. FC Goa won their last game 2-1 scoring in extra time against EBFC and have played just one game so far this season. With crucial points at stake, both teams will be looking at this game as an opportunity to widen the gap at the helm and we anticipate a cracker of a contest.