The final cannot be termed as a thrilling one unless there is enough drama in it. The tides were turning every now and then in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 final when Chennaiyin FC took on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday. The Super Machans sneaked in a goal in the stoppage time to win the ISL 2015 trophy.
None of the side could open the deadlock in the first half of the game. Pronay Halder brought Stiven Mendoza down inside the penalty box area and earned a penalty. Bruno Pelissari took the spot kick, but FC Goa goalkeeper Kattimani made a brilliant save. Unfortunately Pelissari put the ball into the back of the net on rebound.
It was only a matter of few minutes that FC Goa came right back into the game. Romeo Fernandes run down the right flank split the Chennaiyin FC defense. Fernandes dangerous low cross found Haokip at the right place in the right time. Haokip just needed a touch on that ball to guide it past Edel Apoula.
Chennaiyin FC won yet another penalty when Kattimani allegedly brought down Mendoza. The Colombian stood up to take the penalty, but Kattimani made a brilliant save to deny Chennaiyin FC the chance of putting their nose ahead in the final of the ISL 2015.
In the 86th minute of the game, Jofre scored from a free kick to put the Gaurs ahead in the final. At that point one would have really thought that Goa surely have won the game. But it was not over yet. Kattimani collided with Halder inside the penalty box and in that confusion he punched the ball into his own net. With that own goal, Chennaiyin FC drew level in the final.
The drama was not over yet. Every single fan thought the final would go into the extra-time or penalties but Mendoza ended all those thoughts as he found the back of the net in the 93rd minute and that was the final nail in the coffin.
"I think we played a good game ‎even though we missed a penalty. But then my congratulations to FC Goa. They fought like lions till the last minute even though their physical condition wasn't good due to losing two players [Dudu and Leo Moura]," Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi told reporter after the game.
"But I like these kind of games because the courage of the players comes out in games like this. I want to congratulate the team. And this time also myself because I didn't only give them skills and technical ability but also something to cherish."
Watch the full highlights of the ISL 2015 final HERE.
