Sandesh Jhingan’s late header earns Gaurs a point in their 1-1 draw
Panaji: Captain Sandesh Jhingan struck late to rescue a 1-1 draw for FC Goa against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday.
Trailing for most of the second half, the Gaurs showed resilience as Jhingan rose highest in the 87th minute to power home Dejan Drazic’s corner and salvage a crucial point. The defender’s decisive intervention also earned him the Player of the Match award.
The result extended FC Goa’s unbeaten run, though it marked their third straight draw, keeping them fourth on the table with 10 points.
The first half saw both sides trade chances without breaking the deadlock. FC Goa looked sharp early on, with Brison Fernandes testing Mohammad Nawaz inside the opening 10 minutes. Chennaiyin responded quickly, hitting the woodwork through Maheson Singh before Hrithik Tiwari was called into action with a fine save soon after.
Chennaiyin made the breakthrough soon after the restart, capitalising on a defensive lapse as Irfan Yadwad slotted home in the 48th minute to give the hosts the lead.
FC Goa responded by stepping up the tempo, with Manolo Marquez’s changes injecting urgency into the side. The Gaurs began to dominate possession, but Chennaiyin’s defence proved difficult to break, forcing Goa to rely on attempts from distance.
With time running out, Goa finally found the breakthrough. Drazic’s well-delivered corner was met by Jhingan, whose towering header brought the Gaurs back on level terms.
