FC Goa have become the first team to qualify for the final of the 2015 season of the Indian Super League (ISL), as they overcame a one goal deficit to defeat Delhi Dynamos FC 3-0 in the second leg of the semi final, at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa.
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It was a comprehensive performance by Zico’s side on Tuesday, as they completely swept Delhi Dynamos FC aside in a match that ended on a slightly sour note, as Delhi striker Adil Nabi saw red on the 89th minute.
Nabi, who was taken off on the 58th minute, seemed to have lost his head on the linesman, showing dissent towards the official. The referee, who was in no mood to take the lack of respect shown by the on-loan from West Bromwich Albion striker, immediately showed him the red card. A frustrated Nabi was seen going down the tunnel, being booed by the Goa crowd.
However, it was the trio of Joffre, Rafael Coelho, and Dudu, who brought great joy for the FC Goa, faithful scoring the goals that have taken the home side through to the final of the ISL. As FC Goa went into the match with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, it was Joffre, who took the game by the scruff of the neck and cut din from the right flank, to send in a low shot into the bottom corner of Doblas’ goal, on the 11th minute.
The score was level on aggregate, but FC Goa were not even nearly done yet, as they went forward, looking for the goal that would put them level on aggregate in the match. Bikramjit Singh picked Rafael out with an immaculate long aerial ball from midfield, and the Brazilian produced an inch-perfect finish, hitting it against the fat post on the way in.
With FC Goa in the lead on aggregate, Delhi Dynamos FC mounted on frequent attacks, trying to level the score. However, the home side were up for the challenge, as thwarted their attacks perfectly.FC Goa’s Nigerian forward Dudu made their passage to the final safe with just six minutes to go, by tapping in a square pass from Romeo Fernandes, sending the home supporters into delirium. That was more or less the end for Delhi’s chances, which is probably why we saw their frustration coming out, in the form of the Nabi red card.
While FC Goa await the winner of the second semi final between Atletico de Kolkata, they know that they would now be the favourites to win the championship match, as it would be held at Fatorda Stadium, their home ground. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC look to be the favourites to be the second team to progress to the semi final, as they are leading 3-0 from the first leg.