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Thapa leveller hands Chennaiyin edge in playoffs showdown with Goa
Alex is web content writer who is covering various sports, technology in sports and igaming space from 2017.
Published at :March 10, 2018 at 11:32 PM
Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The midfielder canceled out Manuel Lanzarote's opener just past the hour mark.
Chennaiyin FC scored an important away goal as they played a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the first leg of the second semi-final of the Indian Super League at the Fatorda here on Saturday. Both the two teams now play the second leg in three days time with Chennai holding the edge to make it to the final.
Watch: FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin FC
Manuel Lanzarote gave the home side the lead in the 64th minute of the game but his strike was cancelled out by Anirudh Thapa just seven minutes later to give Chennaiyin FC the important away goal which could prove vital in the return leg.
As expected, both teams went for it for the first whistle. While the home side started the game on the front foot with some early crosses into the box, it didn't take Chennaiyin FC too long to grow into this all-important clash. Mandar Rao Desai, who had an excellent first half for Goa created some good opportunities for his team in the first half. The only thing missing from him and Goa was a goal.
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At the other end, Chennaiyin FC had a few opening of their own. In the 20th minute, Jerry Lalrinzuala put in a tantalising ball in for his forwards to attack but they lack the same urgency.
The deadlock on the night was finally broken in the second half by FC Goa and Mandar was again heavily involved in the move. In the 64th minutes after making a darting run down the flank, he squared the ball for Coro to have a strike on goal. The Spaniard's effort was stopped by Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Karanjit Singh, however, the ball fell straight to Lanzarote and he put the ball into the net to hand his side the lead.
FC Goa were still celebrating the goal when seven minutes later substitute Anirudh Thapa's low driven shot brought Chennaiyin FC back in the game. In the 71st minute, Gregory Nelson started the move with a ball for Thapa through the centre. The substitute took a touch and before firing in a low shot between the legs of FC Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani.
The home side tried to crave another opportunity in the time that remained by patiently moving the ball around the field but Chennaiyin FC defended well to take home a precious away goal.
Alex graduated in mass communication in 2016 and has been covering global sports for Khel Now since then. He is covering sports tech, igaming, sports betting and casino domain from 2017.