In a spectacular showdown at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, visitors FC Goa emerged victorious against Chennaiyin FC with a score of 3-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

Goals from Boris Singh, Rowllin Borges and Udanta Singh helped the Men in Orange return to the top of the points table along with preserving their unbeaten streak for the fifth straight game this league season.

Earlier in the day, Goa head coach Manolo Marquez made a couple of changes to his playing XI, as Brandon Fernandes returned to replace Raynier Fernandes who started against Bengaluru FC in their previous assignment. Udanta, meanwhile, made way for Boris who earned his first start for the Club.

It did not take long for the 23-year-old to prove his mettle, with him breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute. A piercing through-pass by Victor Rodriguez from the midfield found Jay Gupta out wide on the left flank, before the youngster picked out his teammate who found the back of the net with a strong, right-footed shot from the center of the box.

The Gaurs then continued the onslaught and extended their lead in the 24th minute through Rowllin Borges.

The Nuvem native unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box, leading to a deflection off Chennaiyin defender Sachu Siby that deceived goalkeeper Debjit Majumder. Victor played a vital role once again, pre-assisting this goal with the perfect pass to find Carl McHugh who then laid the ball off for his midfield partner to score.

Best start ever for FC Goa in an ISL season

As the second half began, Goa maintained their attacking fervour. In the 46th minute, Noah Sadaoui – who had been introduced to the playing XI just then – tested Debjit with a sharp shot.

Hosts Chennaiyin showed glimpses of a comeback, when Jordan Murray made an attempt in the 66th minute that was saved by Arshdeep Singh. Just six minutes later, however, the Men in Orange had the final word.

This time, it was Udanta who delivered the fatal blow, as his right-footed shot from just outside the box nestled into the top right corner. The Marina Machans could only watch helplessly as Manolo Marquez’s boys sealed yet another victory.

Following Sunday’s result, FC Goa are now in first place on the ISL standings, with 13 points from five games.

With four wins and a draw so far, this is also the Gaurs’ best start ever in a league season, and they would look to build on this further when taking on Jamshedpur FC in their next assignment at home, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda on Monday, November 27.