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In what was a final that will be remembered for years to come, Chennaiyin FC staged a thrilling last minute comeback to overcome FC Goa 3-2 and be crowned champions of the 2015 edition of the Indian Super League.
A penalty from Bruno Pelissari and an immediate response from Thongkhosiem Haokip meant that the two sides were deadlocked 1-1 going into the 87th minute. Joffre brought the house down as he scored for FC Goa with a direct free kick, whipping off his shirt in celebration as the Gaurs assumed they would lift the trophy, having taken the lead with minutes to go.
Chennaiyin FC had other ideas, though. Mendoza chased a lofted ball into the box, his presence causing FC Goa keeper Kattimani to fumble the ball into his own net, deflating the joy of the entire stadium. Mendoza turned that deflation into utter misery, as moments later he waltzed past Gregory Arnolin to calmly slot the ball past a despairing Kattimani into the net, thus sending the Chennaiyin contigent into wild rapture, as the Super Machans were crowned champions of the 2015 Indian Super League.
Here are a few reactions from the players & managers after the game :
Chennaiyin FC manager Marco Materazzi :
Reflecting on the game, Materazzi was complimentary with regard to everyone involved, on both sides, saying, “I think we played a good game even though we missed a penalty. But then my congratulations to FC Goa. They fought like lions till the last minute.”
“The whole ground was against us. But I like these kind of games because the courage of the players comes out in games like this. I want to congratulate the team. I think we played with character and skill. We scored three goals and I think we deserved it.”
Materazzi was also quizzed about his future, saying “For now I just want to enjoy our victory. If I have to coach them for the next 10 years, I would. I will always keep [co-owners] Abhishek [Bachchan] and Vita [Dani] in my heart. We built a club in two years. We didn't have a training pitch but now you can see where we are. I will always remember Chennai.”
The Italian was also very pleased with his Indian contigent, noting, “I’m very happy about my Indian players’ performances. We changed eight players last year but now we have a solid base but you can see the development of the players like Jeje Lalpekhlua, Harmanjot Khabra, Zakeer Mundampara and Jayesh Rane.”
Hero of the League John Stiven Mendoza :
Speaking about his injury time winner, Mendoza referenced his poise in front of goal, saying, “I just kept calm and breathed and I had the belief that me and my team-mates can win this. After the penalty miss, I had the confidence to carry on and do well.”
Mendoza was quite grateful to the ISL, being thankful for the spotlight the tournament has given him, saying, “Of course I believe that due to my football in India, I got other big opportunities (Corinthians). So of course I'm very happy. My time in India gave me the motivation and the skill to do well.”
FC Goa boycott
The Gaurs decided to boycott the presentation ceremony and the press conference.
Speaking to the Times of India, FC Goa owner Dattaraj Salgaonkar detailed why, saying, “There were two penalties given and last five minutes everything changed. It was terrible refereeing, one-sided and (if) it was decided to give Chennai the game, there was no point in Goa playing. It was for that we boycotted.”
“It was all decided that Chennai should win this game and the referee took all action to support that decision.”
“The boycott was a protest against the refereeing and assault on me by Elano. After the game when I went back to our dug-out, I saw Elano and went to greet him. I told him that I quite like the way he plays. He caught me by the neck and assaulted me with his elbow. I almost fell down. All players were upset and I (later) filed an FIR. He also abused me.”
Salgaonkar later filed an FIR, leading to Elano’s arrest.
Chennai lauded for ISL victory
Chennai were gracious winners, as a number of their players congratulated FC Goa on their performance, while also dedicating the win to the flood-affected people of Chennai.
Bernard Mendy : “Congratulations to Goa as they played very well but were unlucky. Congratulations to Zico as well. We did well but congrats to Goa. We were depressed when we went down 2-1, but we equalized and then scored the winner. I don’t know how we will celebrate but congratulations to us and to Goa as well”.
Jeje : ““It was an amazing game. I would like to dedicate this title to the people of Chennai.”
Co-owner Vita Dani : “We belive in the people of Chennai just like they believe in us. This one's for you.”
Chennai also were lauded from abroad by former ISL players David James and Mikael Silvestre :
India’s cricketing fraternity were quick to laud the Super Machans as well, with MS Dhoni taking particular pleasure in the victory. Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik vocied their congratulations too :
Fresh from a decisive AGM, AIFF President Praful Patel also weighed in with his congratulations :
