Premier Futsal | Kochi through to semis after a 6-thriller against Chennai

ByPress Release, SportsCafe Editor

07/21/2016

In a thrilling game of futsal, Kochi 5's came back from 2-0 down to snatch a 3-3 draw against Chennai 5's as Chaguinha produced a moment of magic in the dying moments of the game to score a long-range equalizer. The draw took Kochi to the last four of the tournament.

Starting lineup:

Kochi 5’s : Salgado, Cassalone, Changuinha, Moraes and Mohd Ameer

Chennai 5’s : Romulo, Nando, Camilo, Espindola and Faraz Azeez

The thrilling game between Mumbai and Kochi, gave Chennai a lifeline before their game agains Kochi. Chennai needed to win by a margin 2 goals against Kochi in order to qualify for the next round. Both teams started out in cautious fashion. The most clear-cut chance of the first quarter fell to Anupam whose close range side-foot effort was saved by the keeper.

Chances were few and far between as players were reduced to shots from distance in the first 10 minutes. The deadlock was finally broken by Chennai in the second quarter. On the breakaway, it was 3 v 1 and Camilo received the ball on the left and the Colombian smashed the ball into the net. But the job was only half done. With 3 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter, Chennai got their second goal. From a corner, Nanda made a near post run and like a true poacher he managed to squeeze it into the net, despite the defender putting all kinds of pressure on him Kochi needed a goal to gain the advantage once again.

Espindola made an incredible save in the second half to prevent Kochi getting a goal back in the game. The keeper dived to his left and tipped a thunderbolt of a drive. At the other end, the Kochi keeper made low crucial save in split second first through a deflection and then from Camilo’s powerful drive. In the 4th quarter Chennai almost made it 3-0 as their new recruit almost caught the Kochi keeper off guard with an attempt from his own half, but it was just wide off the post.

With 3 minutes to play, Kochi finally got their goal through their No 10. Moraes after a wonderful through pass by Chaguinha to make it 2-1. Next from provider, he turned goalscorer with a smart finish from the right to make it 2-2.

Chennai once again got themselves the advantage after Falcao’s powerful drive to put them 3-2 ahead. But with seconds left in the game Chaguinha produced a moment of magic with a brilliant long-range strike that sent his teammates into ecstasy. A dramatic game ended in disappointment for Chennai but for Kochi it’s another step closer to the trophy.

Kochi 5’s 3 - 3 Chennai 5’s

Kochi 5's: Moraes 37', Chaguinha 38', 40'+1'

Chennai 5's: Camilo 12', Nannda 18', Romulo 39'