Panaji: The opening night of the Indian Super League (ISL) will not involve heavyweights Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal or crowd pullers Kerala Blasters FC. Instead, the top tier league will see a clash between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Oct 10.According to sources, the opening day will have a double header with the fixtures expected to be announced on Saturday.Goa and Chennaiyin have plenty of history between them, starting with the ISL final in 2015 when Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza scored twice in the last three minutes to snatch the trophy away from Zico’s side, in front of teary-eyed home fans.Since then, the fixture has produced plenty of drama and goals galore that guarantees high-octane footballing action on the pitch. It is also the most contested fixture in ISL history.This season, there will be extra spice to the opener as Chennaiyin arrive at Fatorda with two former Goa players, Brison Fernandes and Ayush Chettri, both of whom played a huge role in the club’s recent success under Manolo Marquez. The team is also coached by Clifford Miranda, formerly with the Gaurs.Meanwhile, Fatorda will see plenty of football this season with three clubs – FC Goa, Churchill Brothers FC and Dempo SC – all making it their home.While Goa and Churchill will feature in the top-tier ISL, Dempo will play their Indian Football League (IFL) home games at the same venue, after all three clubs came to an understanding and held talks with Ajay Gaude, executive director, Sports Authority of Goa.For the first time, the ISL is experimenting with a new club-led model. The participating clubs collectively have 90% of the economic interest in the league structure with the federation retaining 10% ownership and governance participation.
