Jorge Ortiz’s long-range strike helps FC Goa sink Chennaiyin FC

FC Goa claimed just their third victory of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season as they edged past Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Saturday.

Jorge Ortiz (82’) scored a stunning long-range strike to settle a tight contest as the Gaurs revived their semi-final hopes.

It was a slow start to the game with both teams taking their time to get into the groove. New signing Nerijus Valskis who started up front for Chennaiyin FC did well to create the first opening of the match in the 17th minute when he held up the ball to release Lallianzuala Chhangte on the flanks. The Indian’s low cross though was cut off by Alberto Noguera who did well to trackback.

Two minutes later, Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Debjit Majumder was called into action as he denied Ortiz the opening goal with a brave save as he took the ball virtually off the FC Goa midfielder’s feet.

FC Goa’s debutant Anwar Ali then had a chance on a set-piece to put his side in front but his header was blocked in the 35th minute.

Four minutes later, Ortiz missed a big chance to give the Gaurs the lead as he fired his shot into the side netting after latching onto the loose ball after Majumder had spilled a Glan Martins shot in his path.

The first half ended with no goals for either team as the chances were at a premium.

Derrick Perreira introduced Devendra Murgaonkar in place of Muhammed Nemil at the start of the second half.

Chennaiyin FC suffered an injury blow as Vladimir Koman had to be substituted in the 56th minute due to an injury. He was replaced by Germanpreet Singh.

Edu Bedia then tried his luck from distance but his effort flew just over the crossbar just post the hour mark as the game remained goalless.

Just when it seemed that Chennaiyin FC would be able to frustrate the Gaurs, Ortiz came up with a decisive goal as he found the net with a dipping shot that went over the goalkeeper and into the net eight minutes from time.

Chennaiyin FC who had sat deep in their half for most parts of the match found it hard to switch gears as FC Goa held on for a vital win.

The win lifted the, to eighth place in the table but crucially just three points off the fourth place. Chennaiyin FC though remained sixth.

The Gaurs next face NorthEast United FC on Frdiay while Chennaiyin FC take on Hyderabad FC in their next match a day earlier.