Ratings: Karikari heroics punish FC Goa, help Chennaiyin FC shine

The Ghanaian made sure the Marina Machans were clinical from the minimal chances they had.

FC Goa lost 1-2 to Chennaiyin FC in ISL 2022-23 on Thursday at the Fatorda in their last home game of the season. The Gaurs were unable to cope up with the brilliance of the Marina Machans' striker Kwame Karikari. Vincy Barreto teed the hulking forward for the opener in the 10th minute.

After half-time, Noah Sadaoui finished into the top-corner to draw FC Goa level but then a mistake from Edu Bedia and Dheeraj Singh cost them. The keeper rushed out to stop Anirudh Thapa but fouled him instead and conceded from the resultant spot-kick. With three points in the bag, Chennaiyin FC can hope for a fine end to the season, but FC Goa are in deep water.

Here are the player ratings for the game:

FC Goa (By Riddhiman Sarkar)

Dheeraj Singh - 5

Dismal appearance from the keeper, who made no saves and was responsible for fouling Anirudh Thapa in the box and conceding from the resultant spot-kick. 

Seriton Fernandes - 6

The right-back struggled to mark Rahim Ali’s inward-bending runs but still tried his best to defend the wing properly. Seriton managed to win all of his aerial duels and made three interceptions.

Fares Arnaout - 5.5

The Syrian powerhouse was overpowered by the like of Kwame Karikari. The Ghanaian bullied him, as he only managed to win two of his three aerial battles and lost his only ground duel. Went off at half-time for an attacking change, with Alvaro Vazquez coming on.

Anwar Ali - 7

Massive at the back with a whopping nine aerial challenges won out of eleven contested. The vigilant Indian centre-back also completed one take-on and 14 of his 18 attempted long balls.

Saviour Gama - 6.5

Had a solid presence down the flank as he won all five of his duels (two ground and three aerial), tried three crosses and completed two long balls (out of six). Substituted for Aiban Dohling in the 78th minute.

Ayush Dev Chhetri - 6

Didn’t have anything special to offer apart from cycling possession with 18 completed short passes and occasionally disrupting play with one successful ground challenge. Taken off by Carlos Pena to introduce Nikhil Prabhu at half-time.

Edu Bedia - 7

Found Noah Sadaoui for their equaliser with a brilliant long ball but was unable to generate a second chance for his teammates. Although the reliant playmaker generated two key passes he also missed one big opportunity. Left the fray for fellow Spaniard Hernan Santana in the 78th minute. His mis-pass to Dheeraj led to the Chennaiyin FC penalty.

Devendra Murgaonkar - 6.5

First successful outing on the wing despite being a forward since he completed four of his five take-ons. Came off in the 80th minute for Brison Fernandes, with one key pass and eight duels won out of 10 to his name.

Brandon Fernandes - 6.5

The captain’s passing was penetrative to say the least as he executed two key passes, four crosses, and 28 other passes. He was also active in direct attacking moves as he glanced on target twice but alas to no avail!

Noah Sadaoui - 7

Disheartening to see the winger exhibit a morose expression after full-time as his goal was a spectacular off-the-post worldie. Noah defied all odds as he beat his markers and turned at breakneck speed to finish emphatically after collecting Edu Bedia’s ball. Also completed 50% of his take-ons and created another big chance. 

Iker Guarrotxena - 5.5

Routine movement saw the Spaniard blank once again as he was clamped down by the physical Fallou Diagne and youngster Jiteshwor Singh. The duo fouled him and prevented his favoured progression from deep, limiting him to only one shot, and that too off-target.

Substitutes

Nikhil Prabhu - 6.5

Did a commendable job but was mostly involved defensively, winning one ground duel and three aerial duels.  

Aiban Dohling - 6

Went into the book while playing catch-up as he only won a single ground duel.

Brison Fernandes - 6

The super-sub could not muster enough strength for another goal from the bench as he got on the ball only eight times. Brison did, however, manage a 100% long-ball completion rate. 

Alvaro Vazquez - 5.5

No impact from the former Swansea striker once again as he finished the game with only 17 touches and one shot off target.

Hernan Santana - N/A

Chennaiyin FC (By M Sudharshan)

Samik Mitra - 6.5

Samik Mitra had a good game and made five saves. Made brilliant outings and punched the ball away at crucial junctures.

Edwin Vanspaul - 6.0

Had a below-par game as the unnatural right-back couldn't control Noah Sadaoui. Was substituted in the 60th minute for Narayan Das to strengthen the defence.

Fallou Diagne - 7.0

Made seven clearances and stood tall in the centre-back position. Fallou had an 81 per cent passing accuracy. 

Vafa Hakhamaneshi - 6.5

Vafa combined well with Fallou and made nine clearances along with two crucial interceptions.

Akash Sangwan - 7.0

Akash was shifted to the right-back position in the second-half and handled Noah Sadaoui well.

Julius Duker - 7.0

Provided a through ball to Vincy Barretto which resulted in the opening goal from Kwame Karikari. Made his presence felt in defence by registering three tackles. 

Anirudh Thapa - 6.5

Won Chennaiyin FC a penalty in the second-half. Thapa made two interceptions and a tackle during the game.

Jiteshwor Singh - 6.5

Lost possession multiple times in the first-half but made a good comeback in the second. Registered a sturdy defensive outing as he made three tackles and an interception.

Vincy Baretto - 7.0

Vincy had an outstanding game, providing an assist to Karikari. Made a few crucial runs in the second-half but couldn't convert them into goals.

Kwame Karikari - 8.0

Scored two goals and showed good composure. His celebration is becoming the talk of the town!

Rahim Ali - 6.0

Couldn't make any contribution in the attacking third but made his presence felt in defence in the first-half with two interceptions.

Substitutes

Narayan Das - 6.5

Came in as a substitute in the 60th minute and stabilized the defence. Narayan Das made three interceptions and attempted a cross.

Ninthoi Meetei - N/A

Sajal Bag - 6.5

Was active in the limited time offered and glanced one shot off target.

Gurmukh Singh - N/A