The Marina Machans took the lead through Irfan in the second half, but the hosts fought back to earn a point in Fatorda
Fatorda, October 10, 2026: Chennaiyin FC began their Indian Super League 2026/27 campaign with a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday, with Irfan Yadwad putting the Marina Machans ahead before the hosts equalised in the second half.
Chennaiyin started brightly, with Brison Fernandes threatening in the opening minute as the visitors looked to make an early impact. Irfan tried his luck in the eighth minute, but his effort went high. At the other end, Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz dealt with FC Goa’s attacking threats, including a shot from Muhammed Nemil.
Both sides continued to search for an opening, with Nuno Reis sending an effort wide after a corner and Brison winning a free-kick for Chennaiyin late in the half. FC Goa threatened through Aakash Sangwan and Chiki, but the Chennaiyin defence held firm to ensure the teams went into the break goalless.
Chennaiyin made attacking changes after the restart, bringing on Bryce Miranda and Madih Talal for Brison Fernandes and Nikola Stojanovic.
The Marina Machans broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. Namgyal Bhutia delivered the ball for Irfan Yadwad, who fired a right-footed finish from the right side of the box into the bottom-left corner to give Chennaiyin the lead.
Ramon De Andrade Souza came close to extending the advantage soon after, but his effort from inside the box missed the target.
FC Goa responded strongly and found the equaliser in the 75th minute. Aakash Sangwan sent in a cross, and Chiki rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner, restoring parity.
With the score at 1-1, both teams searched for a late winner. Nawaz produced another save to deny Jorge Ortiz, while Ramon tested FC Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson twice in the closing stages. The Chennaiyin forward also sent a stoppage-time header from a Muhammed Saheef cross off target before another attempt went wide as the visitors pushed for a winner. However, neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle.
Chennaiyin FC will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Bengaluru FC on Saturday, October 17, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, as they look to secure their first win of the campaign.
