Durand Cup 2023: 4-star FC Goa march into semis, Chennaiyin FC bow out

By
Jayujyoti Mullick
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0

Guwahati: FC Goa advanced to the Durand Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the third quarter-final. Carl Mchugh scored one and assisted another, Noah Sadoui scored his fifth goal of the tournament, Carlos Martinez scored his third, and Victor Rodriguez scored the game’s final goal. Chennaiyin’s first goal came from Bikash Yumnam.

The Marina Machans took an early lead when Bikash Yumnam headed in powerfully from an Akash Sangwan corner that flew high towards the far post. Commentators felt that Goa defender Seriton Fernandes, who was marking Bikash, should have demonstrated greater muscle in the move.

FC Goa had to wait until the half-hour mark to eventually be on equal footing. Udanta and Brandon exchanged passes on the right flank before the former floated a cross that Noah headed back in front of the six-yard box from the far post. Mchugh was on hand to put it past Chennaiyin keeper Samik for his first goal in his new club’s debut.

The comeback was capped off by another new signing, Spaniard Carlos Martinez Rodriguez. Udanta, who was peppering the right side, put another dangerous ball in, which Sarthak cleared. But it only got to Sangwan, who couldn’t control it and it dropped for Carlos. The seasoned Spanish striker took a touch with his back to goal, then spun Sangwan in and produced an outrageous chip over the keeper with a sight at goal and the keeper in front. It will undoubtedly be a contender for the tournament’s goal.

Chennaiyin did start the second half more aggressively. Just before the hour mark, Saviour Gama was booked for attempting to thwart one of Jordan Murray’s threatening CFC forays.

Stewart immediately substituted Vincy Barreto for Rahim Ali in pursuit of an equaliser. The Gaurs also made a double substitution, with Rowlin and Jay Gupta replacing Saviour Gama and Raynier Fernandez. Bikash Yumnam then sustained an injury, and Romario Jesuraj replaced him for the Marina Machans.

Carl Mchugh struck the final nail in the CFC coffin in the opening minute of added time, finding Noah’s run inside the box, who pulled it down superbly to strike it past Samik with a shot on the spin. Boris again laid it into Victor’s path a few minutes later, beating the CFC custodian for the fourth time. The replacement used a great first touch to beat his marker and blasted a left-footer into the top left corner of the Chennaiyin net.

FC Goa – 4

Carl Mchugh 30’ Carlos Martinez 37’ Noah Sadoui 90+1’ Victor 90+3’

Chennaiyin FC – 1

Bikash Yumnam 5’

 

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