Bhubaneswar, Apr 10 : Football Club (FC) Goa thrashed I-League 2018-19 champions Chennai City FC 3-0 in the first semi-final of the Hero Super Cup, here at the Kalinga Stadium.
Now, FC Goa will face the winner of Wednesday’s match, to be played between ATK and Chennaiyin FC , in the Final.
On Tuesday, Ferran Corominas scored from the penalty spot in the 26th minute to give Goa a 1-0 lead. The Spaniard found the back of the net again after nine minutes to take the Goa’s tally to 2-0.
Brandon Fernandes added his name to the score sheet when he scored match’s third goal in the 69th minute.
Goa posted some early challenge against Chennai City’s defence, with Jackichand Singh finding space down the right wing and making a nuisance of himself with his speed and unpredictable run inside the box.
In the first 15 minutes, Seriton Fernandes and Zaid Krouch came close to score, but the player shot at goal post which was deflected wide, while Krouch’s deflected shot from range needed a fingertip save from Chennai custodian Mauro Boerchio to keep the Goa team goalless.
However, Goa kept attacking which finally paid off in the 25th minute as Jacki found Ferran Corominas in the box, who finished the deadlock in 26th minute by scoring first of his two goals.
In the second half too, Goa continued its dominance and scored third goal of the match in the 69th minute.
Boumous received the ball in the midfield and set Brandon Fernandes free.
The winger put on his afterburners, ran onto the through pass and calmly slotted it past Boerchio to make it 3-0 for Goa.
Then, Chennai tried their best to make come back into the game, but Goa managed to keep them at bay.
Goa’s assistant coach Jesus Tato gave all credit to their players for executing plans on the field.
Speaking after the match, he said, “Before the game, we knew Chennai City are a team with a lot of potential. We outplayed them easily as the score can tell. But at the end of the day, it was the players who displayed it on the pitch. We really worked hard towards this game. I must give all the credit to the players.”
Talking about his miss opportunities for third goal, Corominas said, “As a striker, you always want to score goals. Today, I would have liked to score a hat-trick, but regardless of who scores, the most important thing is that the team wins. I will always do my best for the team.”
Goa’s young left back Saviour Gama was adjourned Man of the Match. The defender was also instrumental in Goa’s victory.
