Chennaiyin win ISL after dramatic final comeback

Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza scored the winning goal in the third minute of injury time to complete a stunning turnaround and break the hearts of the home supporters who had packed Goa's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The home side had appeared set for victory when a freekick from midfielder Joffre gave them a 2-1 lead with only three minutes of normal time left.

But Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who had earlier saved two penalties, then punched a cross into his own net in the 90th minute before Mendoza completed the scoring by waltzing through a shell-shocked Goa defence.

Chennaiyin, coached by Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, had only finished third in the league stage of the tournament but qualified for the finals by beating defending champions Atletico de Kolkata in the semi-finals.

Goa, who have the Brazilian legend Zico in charge, qualified for the finals by beating the Delhi Dynamos.

After a goalless first half, the final sparked into life soon after the interval with two goals and a missed penalty in the space of just five minutes.

Chennaiyin took the lead in the 54th minute when Mendoza won a penalty after being brought down by a clumsy challenge from Goa defender Pronay Halder.

Bruno Pelissari's spot kick was initially parried by Kattimani but the Brazilian midfielder converted on the rebound.

Goa were level four minutes later when substitute Thongkhosiem Haokip slotted home at the far post from a deep cross by Romeo Fernandes that eluded the Chennaiyin back line.

And then barely a minute after the restart, Mendoza won another penalty after being taken down by Kattimani who was lucky to stay on the field.

Mendoza decided to take the penalty himself this time round but Kattimani again saved and clung on this time round.

But Mendoza, who finished the tournament as top scorer with 13 goals, redeemed himself in dramatic fashion in the finale.

Kattimani's own goal came as he tried to punch a cross that was intended for the Colombian striker.

After netting the winner, the 23-year-old whipped off his shirt at the start of celebrations which intensified when the final whistle went barely 90 seconds later.