ISL 2026-27: Chiki’s 75th-Minute Header Earns FC Goa a 1-1 Draw Against Chennaiyin FC in Season Opener

Goa, Oct 10: FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 encounter at Fatorda on Saturday, with Chiki's second-half header cancelling out Irfan Yadwad's opener for the visitors.

After a goalless first half, Chennaiyin took the lead in the 64th minute when Yadwad struck a right-footed effort into the far corner, putting the visitors in front.

Both sides adopted a cautious approach in the opening period, attempting to build attacks from the back and create opportunities in the final third. However, neither team managed to break the deadlock before the interval.

Chennaiyin looked to build on their advantage after taking the lead, with Ramon Taque testing the FC Goa defence with a powerful attempt towards the bottom-left corner from a tight angle on the right.

The hosts gradually stepped up their attacking intensity in search of an equaliser. In the 70th minute, Ramon produced a curling long-range effort that struck the post, denying Goa a leveller. Udanta Singh came close soon after, but his attempt rattled the crossbar as the Gaurs continued to push forward.

FC Goa eventually restored parity in the 75th minute. After Udanta was fouled in the attacking half, the hosts won a free kick, which Chiki converted with a well-placed header into the bottom-right corner to make it 1-1.

The equaliser set up a tense finish, with both teams searching for a winner. Chiki had another opportunity in the 79th minute, but Goa could not find a decisive breakthrough.
Chennaiyin threatened at the other end when Ramon rose to meet a cross from the left, only to direct his header over the crossbar with the goalkeeper off his line.

Despite late attempts from both sides, neither team managed to score again, and the contest ended in a draw. The result saw FC Goa begin their campaign with a point, while Chennaiyin were left to settle for a share of the spoils after surrendering their second-half lead.