FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC Share Points in Thrilling 1-1 Draw

In an exciting encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC ended their match in a 1-1 draw. Captain Sandesh Jhingan scored a late equalizer for FC Goa, ensuring they remained unbeaten in the league. The match featured a balanced first half with missed opportunities from both sides, followed by Chennaiyin taking the lead early in the second half. However, Jhingan's header in the dying minutes secured a point for Goa. Discover more about the match dynamics and key moments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 23:15 IST

Late Equalizer Secures Draw for FC Goa

In a gripping match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, FC Goa managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 on Sunday. Captain Sandesh Jhingan's late header ensured that FC Goa remained unbeaten, marking their third consecutive draw, placing them fourth in the league standings with 10 points. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC sits at eleventh with five points. Jhingan's performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, as noted in a press release.

Balanced First Half Action

Chennaiyin FC's head coach, Clifford Miranda, made two adjustments to his starting lineup, introducing Daniel Chima Chukwu and Mohammed Ali Bemammer in a 4-5-1 formation. In contrast, FC Goa's coach Manolo Marquez opted for one change, bringing in Mohammad Yasir for Ishan Pandita.

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. FC Goa initiated the action in the eighth minute when Brison Fernandes tested Chennaiyin's goalkeeper, Mohammad Nawaz, who made a comfortable save. Shortly after, Chennaiyin's Maheson Singh hit the post in the 11th minute and forced a remarkable save from FC Goa's Hrithik Tiwari five minutes later with a powerful long-range shot.

Both teams continued to press, with Irfan Yadwad's shot being blocked and Pritam Kotal heading wide from a set-piece. Yadwad tested Tiwari again in the 37th minute, while Dejan Drazic's long-range attempt was saved by Nawaz. Despite several near misses, the first half ended in a stalemate at 0-0.

Goals in the Second Half

Chennaiyin FC started the second half strongly, breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute. A defensive error from Sahil Tavora allowed Irfan to capitalize, finishing smoothly into the bottom-left corner to give Chennaiyin a 1-0 advantage.

The home team continued to apply pressure, with Irfan testing Tiwari again from a challenging angle shortly after. FC Goa responded by making several substitutions around the hour mark, gaining more possession as they sought an equalizer. However, Chennaiyin's defense remained resolute, limiting Goa to long-range attempts, including a missed target from Aakash Sangwan on a free-kick.

Jhingan's Dramatic Equalizer

The breakthrough for FC Goa came in the 87th minute. Following a corner from Drazic, Jhingan rose above the defenders to power a header into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

In stoppage time, FC Goa pushed for a late winner, but Nawaz made crucial saves to deny Abdul Rabeeh and others. Substitute Daniel Lalhlimpuia also squandered a golden chance, shooting over from inside the box. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, as both teams shared the points in a fiercely contested battle.