Top five FC Goa players to watch in the game against Chennaiyin FC
Sandesh Jhingan scored for FC Goa against CFC at the Marina Arena last season
FC Goa will kick off their 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on Saturday in an opening-day duel against old foes Chennaiyin FC.
The two pioneers of the ISL have gone toe-to-toe in classic matches over the years, and this one will be no exception.
Gouramangi Singh has been signed as the head coach of the Gaurs after Manolo Marquez joined West Coast rivals Mumbai City. The former ISL Shield winners had a massive reshuffle in their ranks over the summer and will be putting out a new-look squad against Chennaiyin FC.
Here are the top five FC Goa players to watch in their ISL opener against Chennaiyin FC.
Jorge Ortiz
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The Spaniard returned to don the famous Orange jersey over the summer, making a move from Mumbai City FC, where he had a quiet 2025-26 ISL season in front of goal. Jorge Ortiz scored 16 goals in 42 appearances during his first stint at FC Goa, soon becoming a fan favourite.
One of Ortiz’s most memorable outings came against Chennaiyin FC in the 2021-22 season, where he scored a hat-trick against the Marina Machans in a 5-0 win for the Gaurs. The 34-year-old will be eager to rekindle in magic in front of goal, and Chennaiyin’s new-look defence would have to be at their best throughout the game.
Also Read: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC Preview – Team news, lineups | ISL 2026-27
Sandesh Jhingan
Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC struggled for goals last season, failing to score more than a goal in any of their ISL matches. Starting their season against a sturdy FC Goa defence, the Marina Machans’ attack will need time to gel. Hence, Sandesh Jhingan’s presence will be vital in the game.
Aside from being physically dominant, Jhingan’s footballing IQ is one of the best. The FC Goa defender will make things very difficult for Ramon Tanque and company. To add to this, Jhingan will also be a big threat from corner kicks. Let’s not forget that the centre-back also got an 88th-minute equaliser against Chennaiyin FC last season, and he will be hungry to repeat it.
Chiki
Christian Borrego Isabel, better known as Chiki, joined FC Goa this summer from Spanish club Cartagena. The centre-forward played the entirety of his football in Spain, and this is the first time that he is playing in a foreign environment.
Chiki would bring with him confidence and experience from playing football at a higher level. Hence, expect the 30-year-old to start his ISL journey on a positive note against Chennaiyin FC.
Franchu
Francisco Feuillassier, better known as Franchu, was one of the most exciting signings in the ISL last season, when he was roped in by Kerala Blasters midway through the 2025-26 ISL season. The attacking midfielder completely changed KBFC’s season with 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 league games.
With uncertainty going around KBFC, FC Goa roped in Franchu in the summer. The Argentinian is a product of Real Madrid Castilla, and he has also made 2 appearances for Madrid’s senior team in the 2017-18 season. If the 28-year-old replicates his form from the last season, expect him to be a contender for the ISL Golden Ball.
Aakash Sangwan
One of Chennaiyin’s own, Aakash Sangwan, made the switch to FC Goa in 2024 after spending two successful seasons with the Marina Machans. The left-back settled in well under Manolo Marquez and became a regular starter at the club.
Aakash will be crucial for the Gaurs against Chennaiyin, not just for his defensive contributions, but also because his crosses will be a huge attacking threat under the new Chennaiyin backline.
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