Chennaiyin FC Vs FC Goa Ratings: Brandon and Mandar shine, but Jeje disappoints

The Gaurs came out on top in a 5-goal thriller on Sunday evening.

Chennaiyin FC succumbed to a humbling 2-3 loss at the hands of fierce rivals FC Goa, with Mandar Rao Dessai becoming the first Indian goal scorer in the Indian Super League this season. Here’s Khel Now’s analysis of the Indian players who featured in the thrilling game.

Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh – 6/10

Hardly anything could he have done about the three goals he conceded, for the defenders let him down hugely. He displayed why he’s been brought back as Chennaiyin’s No. 1 when he pulled off a double save, ironically in the build-up to the second goal. Also, taking a yellow card for the side, he essentially stopped Goa from scoring their fourth.

Dhanachandra Singh – 4/10

Starting alongside skipper Henrique Moreno, he hardly looked at ease, as Ferran Corominas troubled him throughout the first half. Substituted at half-time after committing a mistake that ultimately resulted in Goa doubling their lead, he had a forgettable evening.

Jerry Lalrinzuala – 6/10

The AIFF Elite Academy product, as is often the case, was excellent going forward, even winning the free-kick that veteran defender Inigo Calderon converted from a tasty angle. However, his defensive vulnerability was on display yet again, as it was his mistake that Goa capitalized on to double their lead.

Thoi Singh – 4/10

Making his first start under John Gregory after starting only two games last season, the 27-year-old midfielder, whom his manager considers inexperienced, looked nervous and unwilling to be experimental as most of his passes went wayward. At times, he needed Henrique Sereno, a centre-back, to do his crossing duties.

Baoringdao Bodo – 5/10

Outmuscled by the taller and stronger Goan defenders, the 18-year-old Assam-born striker hardly impacted the game positively in spite of looking the most enthusiastic player on the pitch. Despite misplacing 44% of the 25 passes he attempted and registering zero shots on target, he looked promising especially in the second half.

Jeje Lalpekhlua – 5/10

The Indian international striker, Chennaiyin’s poster boy, struggled to establish chemistry with his strike partners, as the play looked static in the first half. The introduction of Gregory Nelson saw him play his best game, as his movement off the ball was exquisite in the second half. Hitting the woodwork in the first minute of the second half, he showed Chennaiyin meant business after the break.

Bikramjit Singh – 5/10

Brought on to disturb Goa’s rhythm, the former Gaurs midfielder injected energy into the team and ensured Chennaiyin were immune to penetration.  Being a crucial cog in Chennaiyin’s midfield, alongside Raphael Augusto, he showed the manager why he deserves to be considered for a start on Thursday night against NorthEast United.

Francisco Fernandes – NA

He didn’t have enough time to have any impact.

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FC Goa

Laxmikant Kattimani – 4/10

Although he ended up being the winning goalkeeper, he had a mediocre match, especially when his Chennaiyin counterpart’s performance is taken into consideration. The fact that he couldn’t get hold of a ball that was directed straight at him means he isn’t the best ‘keeper in the league as his coach believes.

Mohamed Ali – 8/10

The deepest defender in Goa’s back four, his reading was near impeccable as he frustrated the Chennaiyin strikers. Plus, he was exceedingly calm on the ball and often started Goa’s attack. Forming a superb partnership with Portuguese defender Bruno Pinheiro, he will likely start the next game.

Seriton Fernandes – 7/10

With 87 % passing accuracy, two interceptions and one block, the Goa-born defender proved a solid addition to Sergio Lobera’s team. He single-handedly ensured ISL’s youngest player Baoringdao Bodo had an evening to forget as he rendered him useless. He’ll likely start again, against Mumbai City on Saturday night.

Narayan Das – 8/10

Forming a superb partnership with Mohamed Ali on the left flank, the 24-year-old Jharkhand defender was crucial to diminishing the threat Rene Mihelic posed in the first half. However, his duties didn’t end in the defensive third, as he distributed the ball well besides making marauding runs down his flank.

Mandar Rao Desai – 9/10*

The Goa-born winger spent no time meshing with his teammates as he established great chemistry with Ferran Corominas straightaway. Scoring the crucial third goal and setting up another, he was the best Indian player on the pitch in Chennai. Should he keep up this level of performance, he’ll surely be in Stephen Constantine’s plans in March.

Brandon Fernandes – 9/10

Had Mandar Rao Desai not had a better game in terms of statistics, he’d have been Khel Now’s best Indian player, as he often split Chennaiyin's defence open on his own. Almost beating the Chennaiyin ‘keeper twice.

Liston Colaco – NA

He didn’t have enough time to have any impact.

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Manvir Singh – NA

He didn’t have enough time to have any impact.