ISL 2017/18, Semifinal Leg 1: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC, Player Ratings
The Indian Super League (ISL 2017/18) playoffs action continued this weekend as FC Goa hosted former champions Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday.
Chennaiyin FC finished in the second spot in the ISL standings with 32 points in their eighteen matches of the league. FC Goa finished one spot behind the Chennai side with 30 points from the same number of matches.
FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played out an exciting 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium as two second-half goals from Lanzarote and Thapa set the stage for the second leg in Chennai on 13th March.
Here's a look at how the players fared in this match:
FC Goa
Laxmikant Kattimani (5.5/10) - The Goan keeper made his return due to the suspension of Naveen Kumar. The second half began for Kattimani with a flurry of chances as he made great saves to keep the Chennaiyin attackers out.
Seriton Fernandes (6/10) - The right-back for the home side was up against Jerry and did well both in the defence and attack. He combined well with the attackers ahead of him to make good overlapping runs and put in good crosses.
Sergio Juste (6/10) - The Spanish defender was a strong presence in the backline as they dealt with a formidable Chennaiyin FC attack comprising Jeje and Nelson. He was an option from setpieces as well whenever Goa attacked.
Chinglensana Singh (6/10) - The former Shillong Lajong man was chosen ahead of Mohammed Ali in the lineup and did well to justify his selection. He did well to mark the FC Goa attackers as he made crucial tackles.
Narayan Das (6/10) - The Indian international left-back was an active presence on the flank as he did well in the defence to deal with Inigo Calderon and Francis Fernandes. He played good support in the attack as he combined well with Desai ahead of him.
Pronay Halder (6.5/10) - The hard-tackling midfielder played centrally as the defensive cover for the Gaurs. He was strong in his tackles as he broke up Chennaiyin plays in the middle of the park.
Ahmed Jahouh (6.5/10) - The Moroccan midfielder was the controlling influence in the Goan midfield as he passed the ball around. He kept looking for good runs from his attackers ahead and put in a good shift for the home side.
Manuel Lanzarote (7.5/10) - The Spaniard playmaker was a threat in the attack for the Gaurs as he kept looking for Coro ahead inside the box. He opened the scoring for the Goans when he pounced on the rebound minutes after the hour mark.
Edu Bedia (6/10) - The industrious midfielder moved all across the park making good tackles and played support to the attacking midfielders. He also made a couple of attacking runs inside the box to take chances on the Chennai goal.
Mandar Rao Desai (7/10) - The left winger of the Goan side was a bright presence in the Goan attack as he constantly threatened the Chennai goal with his runs. He combined well with Narayan Das and kept the Goan defence on their toes.
Ferran Corominas (6.5/10) - The top scorer in the ISL was the target man in attack for FC Goa as he kept the Chennaiyin FC defence alert at all times. His shot in the second half led to the goal scored by Lanzarote.
Substitutes
Brandon Fernandes (4/10) - The Goan midfielder came on to replace Narayan Das in the second half as Goa increased attacking intent to break the deadlock.
Mark Sifneos (4/10) - The former Kerala Blasters FC man came on towards the end of the match as Goa added to the strike force in search of the goal.