Fatorda, Goa: Chennaiyin FC became the first visiting team to win in the Indian Super League (ISL), beating FC Goa 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.

The visiting team took the lead in the 32nd minute through Balwant Singh, who became the first Indian to score in the tournament.

Brazilian Elano, the Chennai team’s ‘marquee’ player doubled their lead in the 42nd minute with a well taken free-kick as they went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Gregory Arnolin reduced the margin for the hosts on 65 minutes but they couldn’t muster the equaliser despite coming close on several occasions.

Goa made a lively start to the game backed by strong home support.

Portuguese Edgar Marcelino along with ‘icon’ Robert Pires was at the heart of Goa’s attacks with some incisive passing.

The Chennaiyin defence soaked up the pressure well and went ahead after the half-hour mark.

Elano latched on to a poor clearance and made his way into the box before finding striker Balwant, who made no mistake.

A foul on the edge of the box ten minutes later gave Elano a perfect opportunity to unleash a swerving free-kick that put his team 2-0 up.

Goa started with a lot of purpose after the break and eventually clawed their way back into the game in the 65th minute when two defenders combined to get the home team on the score sheet.

Youness Bengelloun got a touch to cross that appeared to flying beyond its intended range but the ball landed perfectly for fellow central defender Gregory Arnolin to tap in from close range.

Goa pushed on in search of an equaliser, with substitute Clifford Miranda coming close with an audacious attempt to score directly from a corner kick.

Chennaiyin keeper Emiliano Bracigliano pulled off a fantastic save to deny Randy Martins and the visitors held on for a win.

I-League transfers

Elsewhere, I-League club Mumbai FC on Thursday added centre back Meldon D’Silva to their squad.

“I am very happy to sign for Mumbai FC. This club has some excellent players along with an excellent coach in Khalid Jamil. I am looking forward to playing in the I-League and the Federation Cup and want to win every game with this club,” said the 19-year-old.

Meldon has previously played in the youth teams of Dempo SC, Salgaocar Juniors and Wilred Leisure SC of the Goa Professional League.

He was also part of the Goa team representing India that won gold in the Lusofonia Games. He contributed by scoring the first goal and in the process, helping the Indian team beat Mozambique 3-2 in the final.

Mumbai FC head coach Khalid Jamil said: “We are happy to have someone like Meldon in the team. He is a very confident boy and if you look at his youth career you will know that he has had a very strong base. He too is really excited to be a part of the Mumbai FC team. I am sure he will do well here.”