ISL 2016 | Goa snatch win in nine-goal thriller against Chennaiyin

Chennaiyin FC had won all three matches in Goa, including last season’s final that went down to the wire. The visitors took the lead three times in this game but found themselves down in the 76th minute for the first time when Rafael Coelho scored his second goal of the night. He seemed to do enough but Chennaiyin FC drew level in the 88th minute after substitute John Arne Riise converted a penalty. It seemed Goa would have to wait till next season to carve their first win at home over Chennaiyin FC until Sahil Tavora stunned everyone with the winner in added time.

The victory took Goa’s points tally to 14 but they still finished at the bottom. Defending champions Chennaiyin FC finished seventh with 15 points in an extremely disappointing campaign for both last year’s finalists.

Chennaiyin FC took the lead for the second time in the 14th minute when Anirudh Thapa’s shot that hit the post, struck Goa defender Gregory Arnolin and sailed into the net. Just like the first setback, Goa drew level for the second time, this time Joffre scoring from a penalty.

The visitors enjoyed a 3-2 advantage at half-time as Dudu Omagbemi capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 28th minute.

The goal seemed enough for Goa to pocket full points as they fell back and defended but there was a disappointment as Raju Gaikwad handled the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty which Riise scored with ease. Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Sahil Tavora scored a wonder goal from the left, as his shot kissed the post and sailed into the net for one of the ISL’s most dramatic victory.