Jhingan’s late leveller denies Chennaiyin a winning start at home

FC Goa pulled off a 1-1 draw after scoring at the death in the Indian Super League thriller against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.

Just when Chennaiyin looked set for its first home win of the season, Sandesh Jhingan capped off the visitor’s late surge with the equaliser in the 88th minute. The India international rose highest to deliver a thunderous header off Dejan Drazic’s corner-kick.

Chennaiyin had seized the advantage through Irfan Yadwad as the substitute had punished Goa for committing a defensive blunder in the 48th minute. A casual back-pass from Sahil Tavora was pounced upon by Irfan, who intercepted it, surged forward and beat Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.

The Clifford Miranda-coached side, which now has five points from as many matches, appeared in control for long spells of the contest but struggled to withstand Goa’s late onslaught. Goa moved to 10 points from six games after dominating the closing quarter with crisp passing and sustained pressure in the box.

The visiting side nearly completed the turnaround in stoppage time. Boris Singh forced a sharp save from ‘keeper Mohammad Nawaz, before Daniel Lalhlimpuia fired narrowly over the crossbar moments later.

Earlier, the first half — though goalless — was far from dull, with both sides creating lively openings. Chennaiyin suffered a blow when striker Daniel Chima Chukwu was stretchered off following an injury. In the end, Jhingan landed another punch to deny Chennaiyin a winning start at home.

The result: Chennaiyin FC 1 (Irfan Yadwad 48) drew with FC Goa 1 (Sandesh Jhingan 88).