Chennai, March 22 (NationPress) In front of their enthusiastic home supporters, Chennaiyin FC showcased a confident and dynamic performance, securing a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the 2026 Indian Super League, marking a well-earned point in their inaugural home game of the season on Sunday.

Head coach Clifford Rayes Miranda gave Eduardo Kau his season debut, stepping in for the sidelined Mohammed Ali Bemammer, while Maheson Singh and Daniel Chima Chukwu were also included in the starting lineup. The Marina Machans had to remain vigilant early in the match, with goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz making a crucial low save in the eighth minute, followed by strong defending from Laldinliana Renthlei to avert further threats.

Chennaiyin soon found their groove and began to pose a threat. In the 11th minute, a well-coordinated attack saw Imran Khan assist Chima, whose clever flick set up Maheson, but his first-time shot hit the outer post. Farukh Choudhary then tested the opposing goalkeeper with a curling shot from distance, as Chennaiyin grew into the match.

An unfortunate occurrence followed when Chima had to exit due to injury, with Irfan Yadwad coming on and making an immediate impact. The forward connected well with teammates, earning a corner and forcing a save with a sharp effort, while Maheson continued to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. At the other end, Nawaz remained composed, making a few routine stops to keep the score level at halftime.

Carrying that momentum into the second half, Chennaiyin was rewarded shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Irfan capitalized on a defensive blunder, maintained his composure, and slotted it home, giving the Marina Machans a well-deserved lead, while continuing to trouble the Goa defense and winning a corner as CFC sought to extend their advantage.

Chennaiyin pressed for a second goal, with Farukh Choudhary seizing a loose ball in the 82nd minute, but his attempt was blocked at close range. On the defensive end, Kau made a vital intervention to maintain the lead, while Nawaz commanded his area, confidently claiming crosses as the hosts braced for a late surge from Goa.

However, the visitors managed to equalize in the 88th minute. Nawaz initially thwarted Dejan Drazic with a strong save, but Sandesh Jhingan rose highest to head in from the resulting corner, leveling the score at 1-1. As the match drew to a close, Chennaiyin pushed again in stoppage time, with Alberto Noguera going down under a heavy challenge inside the box, but the referee awarded a corner instead. Moments later, Nawaz made another sharp save to maintain parity.

Chennaiyin FC will next take on ISL debutants Inter Kashi on April 7.