FC Goa became the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the Indian Super League (ISL) following a convincing 3-1 victory against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday night.
Zico's team have 21 points from 13 matches, one less than their evening's opponents, following their fourth consecutive win. The home team -- who have already qualified for the last four -- remain top of the table with one more match remaining in the first round of home and away fixtures involving the eight franchises.
For Goa, Romeo Fernandes, Andre Santos and Miroslav Slepicka scored in the 23rd, 41st and 62nd minutes respectively. Jean-Eudes Maurice netted a late consolation goal for the home team in the 90thminute.
Among the former European stars of both teams, only Chennai's Mikael Silvestre featured in the game. Chennai player-manager Marco Materazzi rested himself and Zico did not bring on Arsenal legend Robert Pires, who was on the bench.
Chennai began the first half in an attacking mood and controlled possession during the first 20 minutes. However, the visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute. Goa midfielder Mandar Rao Desai's left-footed shot crashed against the woodwork and fellow midfielder Fernandes was in perfect position to slot in the rebound past Chennai custodian Shilton Paul.
Goa's former Arsenal midfielder Andre Santos doubled the lead in the 41st minute. The Brazilian took possession, turned and shot home with his left foot.
The league leaders nearly pulled one back before half-time. Forward Jeje Lalpekhlua's header looped over Jan Seda and was headed goalward. However, Goa's Portuguese centre-back Bruno Pinheiro effected a timely goal-line clearance to maintain the visitors' two-goal advantage at the break.
Chennai started the second half just as they had in the first, moving the ball around with intent. But they could not create scoring opportunities.
Goa got their third goal in the 62nd minute when Narayan Das grabbed possession in midfield, ran towards the box and fired a left-footed shot at Paul. The Chennai custodian parried the effort and the ball fell kindly for Goa's Czech striker Miroslav Slepicka, who volleyed home to score his fifth goal in four matches.
Chennai managed to score in the 90th minute through substitute striker Jean-Eudes Maurice. However, the goal came from virtually the last kick of the game.
Brazilian legend Zico was pleased with his team's late form which enabled them to book a semifinal slot. "It is a feeling of a mission being accomplished. The players played really hard," Zico said. "Very few people expected us to qualify after our slow start. But we always believed that we can qualify and the players tried to constantly improve their game. We are here by merit."
Goa travel to Kolkata to take on third placed Atletico de Kolkata on Dec. 10. Chennai will play Delhi Dynamos FC a day earlier.