Matchweek 6 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season kicked off with a bang as Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The match had everything – early goals, a comeback, a controversial penalty, and a last-gasp equalizer that left both teams sharing the spoils in a game that showcased the best of what the ISL has to offer.
Fast Start for Chennaiyin
Despite FC Goa’s bright beginning, it was the home side who struck first in rather fortuitous circumstances. A clearance from Goa defender Odei Onaindia ricocheted off Chennaiyin’s Wilman Jordan Gil and looped over a helpless Laxmikant Kattimani in the Goa goal to give Chennaiyin an early lead.
Goa Fight Back
Undeterred by the setback, Manolo Marquez’s men continued to push forward and were rewarded for their efforts right on the stroke of halftime. Udanta Singh, attacking a set-piece with gusto, saw his header take a deflection off his shoulder and nestled into the back of the net, pulling Goa level at the break.
Penalty Controversy
The second half saw Goa take the lead through a Armando Sadiku penalty, his fifth goal of the campaign. The spot-kick was awarded after Dejan Drazic drew a foul from Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra, although replays suggested the contact was minimal.
It was a soft penalty, but you can understand why the referee gave it in real-time. Drazic did well to get his body between the ball and the keeper.
ISL pundit
Chukwu to the Rescue
Just as it seemed Goa would hold on for a vital away win, Chennaiyin found an equalizer in contentious circumstances. Daniel Chima Chukwu‘s header from a corner was clawed onto the crossbar by Kattimani, with the ball appearing to cross the line by the finest of margins. The referee, after a moment’s deliberation, awarded the goal to the delight of the home fans.
It was impossible to tell in real-time if the whole of the ball crossed the line. We could have done with goal-line technology there!
Former ISL player
Spoils Shared
The 2-2 result leaves both teams firmly in the hunt for playoff spots, with Goa in 4th and Chennaiyin in 6th position. The entertaining affair was a fitting start to matchweek 6, setting the tone for what promises to be another captivating round of ISL action.
With several key clashes coming up, including the high-stakes encounter between Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, fans can expect more drama, skill, and passion as the race for ISL glory intensifies. If this match is anything to go by, we are in for a treat in the weeks ahead.
