ISL 2015: Goa scores two via penalties to go top of table

FC Goa manager Zico made four changes to the starting line-up, and with it, another change in formation. This time he opted for a defensive 5-3-2, and it was apparent that the Brazilian was not looking to be overly aggressive against a lethal Chennaiyin side.

In a match where both FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC had the opportunity to go to the top of the table, neither of the teams seemed interested in a win.

Very few chances were created by either of the teams- in fact the only clear cut opportunity in the first half arrived in the 35th minute, with Elano's corner reaching Mendoza at the far post. The striker should have buried it into the net, considering his recent form, but instead his shot went wide.

In what turned out to be an uninspiring game of football, Goa opened the scoring in the 64th minute of the match when new signing Rafael Coelho was brought down in the box by Bernard Mendy and the referee pointed to the spot.

Leo Moura converted the resultant penalty with aplomb as Chennaiyin goalkeeper, Karanjit Singh, went the wrong way and the Brazilian found the top right hand corner.

Few minutes later, Coelho won another penalty as his shot struck Mehrajuddin Wadoo's hand inside the box. It was a harsh penalty as the defender did not have the time to react, but Goa did not complain as Jonatan Lucca doubled their lead with an emphatic finish.

Things went from bad to worse for Chennaiyin towards the end as Harmanjot Khabra, who returned in this game after serving a suspension, received his second red card of the tournament for a kung-fu tackle on Moura at the edge of the box.

With this win Goa climbs above Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City to the top of the table. On the other hand, Chennaiyin drop down to fifth as their goal difference has taken a big hit.