FC Goa kept their hopes alive with an encouraging 2-1 victory over Viva Chennai FC in the 1st AWES Cup at Duler Football Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday.

Liston Colaco gave FC Goa the lead in the 29th minute but Anoop VC’s 41st minute goal ensured the match was tied when the teams walked out for the half-time break. Both teams pressed for the match winner in the second session and FC Goa trooped out winners, thanks to a terrific long ranger from Hayden Fernandes.

The win gives FC Goa three points and takes them to the top of the table, although Viva Chennai FC and Salgaocar SC both have a match in hand. All three teams can qualify for the semi-finals as the toppers with Salgaocar needing only a draw and Viva Chennai needing to win by a clear two-goal margin.

FC Goa had lost their opening round clash against Salgaocar FC and seemed determined to make amends against the visitors from Chennai on Wednesday. They started well with Liston drawing a good save from the goalkeeper with a curling free-kick and soon enough drew first blood through the promising striker.

A long ball from his own half by Jason Barboza saw Liston control the pass amicably, beat his marker and then slide the ball past a diving goalkeeper Sherin Stephen in the 29th minute.

Viva Chennai drew level through Anoop in the 41st minute after he picked up a pass from his Nigerian teammate Andrew Ogwuche and finished from an acute angle.

In the second session, both teams seemed determined to grab three points which would have enhanced their chances of qualification. They came close on several occasions with Liston the main man for FC Goa and Nigerian striker Andrew Ogwuche trying to deliver for the visitors.

In the end, it were FC Goa who got the match winner through a stunning strike from Hayden. The former Dempo midfielder found some space from almost 30 yards out and unleashed a powerful shot that sailed into the net in the 70th minute.