FC Goa kicked off their Durand Cup 2024 campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Rangdajied United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.
The clash began with Rangdajied United taking an early lead through Owanijuh Pajuh in the 19th minute. Despite the Gaurs’ efforts to equalise in the first half, they entered half-time trailing 0-1.
The second half saw a revitalised FC Goa side, with captain Leander D’Cunha scoring the equaliser in the 48th minute. The momentum then shifted, as Devendra Murgaokar put the Men in Orange ahead with a well-placed goal in the 58th minute.
However, Rangdajied United’s Pynbhalang Suting equalised shortly after, bringing the score to 2-2.
Goa regained the lead in the 80th minute when Lalthangliana successfully converted a penalty. However, as Apborlang Kurbah leveled the score once again for the Shillong-based side five minutes later, the match seemed poised for a dramatic finish.
In the dying moments of the game, Vellington Fernandes emerged as the hero for FC Goa, finding the back of the net in the 7th minute of added time, sealing a memorable victory for the Gaurs by a 4-3 scoreline.
Head Coach Israil Gurung and his boys will now look to carry this momentum into their next Durand Cup fixture on Thursday, when they take on Tribhuwan Army FC from Nepal.
