ISL 2017: FC Goa's Mandar Rao Desai becomes first Indian goalscorer of the season
Mandar Rao Desai became the first Indian goalscorer in ISL 2017 in a game between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
A dominant first-half display from the Gaurs saw them surge into an unassailable 3-0 lead with Desai scoring the third goal, five minutes from the half-time whistle. Chennaiyin came back in the second half, to pull back two of these goals. However, the away side heald on to their slender lead in the end, to win the match 3-2.
Coro opened the scoring for the Goan side near the half-hour mark while Manuel Lanzarote made it two just four minutes later. Desai then took the game away from Chennaiyin FC once and for all by scoring the third and nailing any thoughts from the opposition about making a comeback into the game.
Desai's goal came through a counter-attack after a surging run by Bruno opened up Chennai's defence. The midfielder then squared the ball to Desai who had acres of space to run into and then unleashed a first-time shot which kissed the hands of the Super Machans custodian - Karnjit Singh, but he was unable to stop it from nestling into the back of the net.
The Goa player has been with the FC Goa side since 2015. The former Dempo man plays on the left wing and is considered as a future India international. The youngster has represented the Blues at the U23 level and is hoping that his performances in the ISL will soon get him a senior cap.
Mandar has now opened his scoring in season 4, and it is well-known fact that if the Gaurs are to have a successful outing this time around, Mandar Rao Desai needs to fire on all cylinders.
You can watch the goal, here.