isl 2016
Both teams observed a minute's silence ahead of their ISL 2016 match to pay tribute to the deceased members of the Chapecoense football teamISL / Press release

Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa were intent on making a strong statement and they did just that at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on December 1. It was at this very venue that Chennaiyin FC lifted their maiden Indian Super League title less than a year back. ISL 2016 remained a completely different story, however, as both these Indian football giants got eliminated in the league phase.

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Their return leg fixture of the season turned out to be a classic as a total of nine goals were scored, with FC Goa edging out 5-4 in the dying moments of the game. The ending had to be brilliant as both of them deserved to exit on a high note. And FC Goa, who still finish at the bottom of the table despite the win, left ISL 2016 on the highest note possible.

In the match, the message seemed like: If you can do it, so can we!

Jerry Lalrinzuala opened the goalscoring in the match for the defending champions in the 4th minute, but that was equalised by FC Goa's Rafael Coelho in the next minute itself. The Brazilian also paid a tribute to the deceased footballers from Chapecoense after the goal.

Next, Chennaiyin got the lead again, thanks to an own goal from Gregory Arnolin. The home side reverted with Joffre Mateu scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. 

Yet again, Omagbemi Dudu gave the away side the lead in the 28th minute and it was Sahil Tavora, who equalised for FC Goa in the 68th minute, post break.

Late goals have always been one of the best things about football and the game was searching for a winner at the very end! Unbelievably, with the referee just seconds away from blowing his final whistle, Indian youngster Sahil Tavora struck again for FC Goa, scoring at the very death with a curling shot of the highest level.