Unstoppable Goa blank Chennaiyin

Margao: FC Goa extended their unbeaten run in the Indian Super League to 12 games with a comfortable 2-0 win against Chennaiyin FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

First half goals from Iker Guarrotxena (11’) and Aakash Sangwan (26’) helped Goa close the gap at the top. They are now four points behind leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Chennaiyin, who came into the fixture after three consecutive draws, are now winless in their last six games. The former champions remain tenth in the standings with 18 points from as many games.

As expected, Goa coach Manolo Marquez made a couple of changes to the team that secured a 1-0 win against East Bengal as Carl McHugh, Rowllin Borges and Ayush Chhetri found a spot in the starting 11.

The home side started confidently as they set the pace and moved the ball swiftly. Brison Fernandes was lively on the left flank and looked to add to his tally of six goals. On the right flank was Borja Herrera and Goa used the two wingers well to switch play.

Goa sounded the alarm early on when Boris Singh’s grounder missed the target narrowly. Soon, a quick one-two saw Borja get past keeper Mohammad Nawaz but his effort on goal was blocked by Chennaiyin defender Laldinpuia.

Goa continued the pressure and it took them 11 minutes to find the breakthrough.

It needed a bit of help from former Goa custodian Nawaz, who fumbled with his collection when Boris whipped in a cross. Brison’s initial effort hit the upright but the rebound fell straight to Iker, who made no mistake from close range.

Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin were left clueless and needed to start all over again. They failed to show promise like they did in their previous game when they frustrated Mohun Bagan and held them goalless.

Chennaiyin had to defend for most part as they hardly maintained ball possession or create spaces upfront.

Rowllin had a golden opportunity to double the advantage but the midfielder ballooned his attempt over. Then Ayush tested Nawaz and his effort was parried away.

Goa did get their second in the 26th minute when McHugh found Aakash inside the box with a through ball. Left-back Aakash kept calm and hammered the ball home for his first goal for Goa after joining from Chennaiyin this season.

Coyle made a couple of changes in the second half and Chennaiyin looked determined to turn the tide.

Substitute Farukh Choudhary nearly pulled one back but couldn’t keep his effort on target, while Daniel Chima’s glancing header didn’t trouble Goa keeper Hrithik Tiwari as it sailed over.

Goa will next face Jamshedpur away on Feb 2 and return home to take on Odisha FC four days later.