ISL: Balwant, Elano help Chennaiyin edge past hosts Goa

Chennaiyin FC edged past hosts Goa FC 2-1 in a pulsating Hero Indian Super League encounter, as forward Balwant Singh, who scored for the visitors, became the first Indian goal-scorer in the tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, in Margao, on Wednesday.

Chennaiyin FC, co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan and India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, went ahead when Balwant etched his name in the history books with a 32nd minute strike. 

They soon doubled the lead, Elano scoring with a beautiful free-kick. The curling strike took his team into half-time with the score reading 2-0.

Goa, co-owned by India cricket star Virat Kohli and coached by former Brazil ace Zico, returned with renewed vigour after half-time but the Chennai side's defence withstood the home team's initial attacks.

Goa eventually clawed their way back into the game when central defender Gregory Arnolin netted from close range. 

However, the resolute Chennai defence made sure their ISL campaign began on a winning note as they became the first visiting team to register a victory.

The spotlight, though, was on Balwant, who was more than pleased with his effort and team's performance.

"It is an absolute honour to become the first Indian scorer in the Hero ISL. You always have to work hard to get into the team because there are so many quality foreigners. So I think my hard work paid off. I would like to thank my coaches and family," said Balwant later.

Chennai coach Marco Materazzi was also happy with the outcome of the match.

"The boys put up good performance and held ball possession after scoring both the goals. In the second half we were faced to the wall but our defenders did a good job to deny the home team the equaliser." 

Zico, however, was disappointed with a losing start, but did manage to put up a brave front.

"The boys played their hearts out till the end, especially in the second half which they dominated, creating ample scoring chances but failed to cash in, ultimately ending  on the loosing side," he said.

"We were not expecting defeat, but it all happened. The marquee player Robert Pires too played well, created few good openings for his strikers with delightful passes. The atmosphere was good with the Goan crowd supporting up till the end.

"All the four matches of the first round saw good attendance; it's a good beginning to see a lot of people coming to see the matches," he added.

Image: Elano