Chennaiyin beat Goa 2-1 in the Indian Super League soccer

Thursday, 16 October 2014 01:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chennaiyin defeated Goa 2-1 on Wednesday (October 15) for the first away win in the Indian Super League and the first goal scored by an Indian player. The game, the last of the opening round of four matches in the newly-formed soccer league, brought together veterans like Roberto Pires, the captain of Goa, and Brazilian legend Zico, who coaches the team. Pires, who is now 40 and made his name at Arsenal, had a torrid evening, shooting tamely with his only goal attempt midway through the first half.

Balwant Singh (center) celebrates after becoming the first Indian goalscorer in the ISL. Picture credit: Indian Super League Chennaiyin were more ruthless and in the 32nd minute, Brazilian Elano Blumer took advantage of a bad clearance by Goa defender Narayan Das allowing Balwant Singh to score, making him the first Indian player to score as well as being the first away goal of the Super League season. Elano then made no mistake to put the visitors 2-0 up with a precise free-kick, leaving Goa Czech goalkeeper Jan Seda stranded in the 42nd minute. Chennaiyin coach and Italian veteran Marco Materazzi was winning his challenge against Zico’s side as they attempted a comeback after the break. The home crowd were finally given heart after 65 minutes when French defender Youness Bengelloun managed to knock the ball back across the penalty area to Martinique defender Gregory Arnolin who beat Chennaiyin’s Italian goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano from close range. Zico was left frustrated when an effort by Nigerian Ranti Martins in the closing minutes was blocked by Bracigliano which made sure of the three points for Materazzi’s team. The 2-1 victory left Chennaiyin second on goal difference behind Atletico de Kolkata after the first round of the Super League with Goa in sixth place in the eight-team league.