In a riveting Group D encounter of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, FC Goa emerged triumphant against Bengaluru FC, securing a crucial 1-0 victory over the Blues to keep their qualification hopes alive in the tournament.
The highly-anticipated clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar-Odisha witnessed an array of exciting moments, culminating in a dramatic late goal by Brison Fernandes in the fourth minute of added time in the second half.
Earlier in the day, the Gaurs’ head coach Manolo Marquez rang in two changes to his playing XI that started against Inter Kashi last week, as Seriton Fernandes replaced the injured Leander D’Cunha and Ayush Chhetri made way for Raynier Fernandes.
The tone of the clash was set in the opening moments itself, with FC Goa initiating their first attack in the 2nd minute. Noah Sadaoui delivered a precise cross from the left flank to Carlos Martinez, whose shot was, however, denied skillfully by Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Sahil Poonia.
Raynier then showcased his prowess in the 9th minute with a solo run, but his shot veered wide off the far post. Despite Goa’s dominance, Bengaluru had a golden opportunity in the 34th minute. Javi Hernandez intercepted a stray pass from Seriton but failed to capitalize, sending his first-time shot off target.
The first half concluded with the Men in Orange controlling proceedings and creating numerous chances, yet the lack of clinical finishing meant the score remained goalless.
The second half brought its share of excitement, with the Blues steadily gaining momentum. In the 47th minute, a free-kick from Javi found Shankar Sampingiraj, only for his header to be expertly saved by FC Goa shot-stopper Dheeraj Singh.
Gerard Zaragoza’s boys pressed on, and in the 71st minute, Shivaldo’s well-placed ball to Asish Jha caused moments of anxiety for the Men in Orange, although the shot eventually sailed wide.
As the clock ticked down, tension escalated. In the 85th minute, an attempt by Lalremtluanga Fanai from Namgyal Bhutia’s lobbed forward ball hinted at a potential breakthrough. It was Manolo Marquez’s boys that, however, sealed the deal in stoppage time.
Muhammed Nemil’s cross from the left flank found Brison at the far post, who then directed it into the net with a well-placed header to secure three crucial points for
the Gaurs.
The victory resulted in FC Goa maintaining their position at the top of Group D, ahead of their upcoming assignment against Odisha FC next Monday. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament after their second consecutive defeat.
