2015 Indian Super League(ISL) - Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 3-2 to become champions in Goa Sunday Dec 20,2015

 

In a befitting finale of the ISL second season which saw 186 goals scored in 60 matches as compared to 121 last year, the Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw as many as five goals, all of them coming in the second half in the edge-of-the-seat match

Chennaiyin FC scored twice in the 90th minute to snatch a pulsating 3-2 victory over FC Goa to win the second edition of the India Super League (ISL)on Sunday Dec 20,2015

 

 

The winners got richer by Rs 8 crore while the runners-team got Rs 4 crore. The two semi-final losers got Rs 1.5 crore each.

Colombian striker John Stiven Mendoza compensated for his missed penalty to score in the 90th minute and claim the victory in a fluctuating contest at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

 

Colombian Mendoza, who continued his fine form in the tournament was later named as the player of the tournament besides winning the Golden Boot Award for scoring highest number of goals (13 goals)

 

Apoula Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC)won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper's award.

The match was goalless at halftime, but sprang into life after the break when Bruno Pelissari (54th minute) gave the visitors Chennaiyin FC the lead with a penalty. Thongkhosiem Haokip (58th) and Joffre Mateu (88th) made it 2-1 for Goa

But an own goal in the 90th minute from goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani turned the tide and an opportunistic goal from Mendoza seconds later saw Chennaiyin claim the thrilling victory

For Chennaiyin, coached by Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, the triumph was all the more remarkable as they had to shift to Pune for their semifinals first leg after their home venue Chennai was devastated by the floods.
They were also struggling in the early part of the league phase and needed four wins on the trot in their last four matches to qualify for the semifinals.

On the other hand, it was heartbreak for Goa who looked the most attacking side in the season under Brazilian legend Zico

Chennaiyin FC XI
Edel Apoula (GK), Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mailson, Bernard Mendy (C), Dhana, Thoi Singh, Manuele Blasi, Harmanjot Khabra, Jeje, John Stiven Mendoza Valencia, Bruno Pelissari.

Chennaiyin FC players pose for the camera ahead of the ISL final.

FC Goa XI
Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Pronay Halder, Lucio (C), Arnolin Gregory, Romeo Fernandes, Leo Moura, Joffre, Bikramjit, Mandar Dessai, Rafael Coelho, Dudu.

 FC Goa players pose for the camera ahead of the ISL final.

FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC captains during the toss ahead of the ISL final.

 

 Pelissari scored the opening goal to give Chennaiyin FC 1-0 lead against FC Goa

Haokip scored the equaliser for FC Goa just moments after Chennai took the lead.

 Joffre made it 2-1 for FC Goa in the 87th minute.

Cricketer Virat Kohli, ISL chairperson Nita Ambani, Bollywoord stars Abhishek Bachchan and Varun Dhawan pose for a selfie during the Indian Super League 2015 final at Goa

 FC Goa captain Lucio attempts to block Jeje Lalpekhlua of Chennaiyin FC

Awards

 

Nita Ambani gives the trophy to the Chennaiyin FC team.

Golden boot award goes to John Stiven Mendoza of Chennaiyin FC.

Golden glove award goes to Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Apoula Edima Edel Bete.

Emerging player award goes to Jeje of Chennaiyin FC.

Hero of the League award goes to John Stiven Mendoza of Chennaiyin FC.

Fairplay award goes to Mumbai City FC.

Player of the ISL 2015 goes to Iain Hume of Atletico de Kolkata.