FC Goa gave it their all as they battled not just Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but also a handful of questionable refereeing calls. But, in the end, it was not to be as the Mariners handed the Gaurs their first defeat of the Indian Super League 2023-24 season at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.
Dimitrios Petratos’ 74th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams, after Odei Onaindia’s early goal was wrongly ruled out.
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez rang in two changes to his playing XI that started in last week’s draw against Odisha FC, as Raynier Fernandes replaced Rowllin Borges and Mohammad Yasir made way for Boris Singh.
The match kicked off with the Men in Orange displaying commendable dominance, with captain Brandon Fernandes delivering a tantalising free-kick in the 5th minute, only to see Carlos Martinez’s header hitting the crossbar.
In the 13th minute, Onaindia found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for the ball going out of play – which was clearly proved wrong by replays.
Despite the setback, the Gaurs continued to press forward, with Noah Sadaoui and Carlos Martinez coming close to scoring on multiple occasions. And then, as the second half commenced, they intensified their attacks, with the duo testing Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith early on.
The Mariners eventually found the breakthrough, just a minute before the second-half drinks break. An attempt by Arshdeep Singh to come off his line and clear a dangerous ball left Petratos with time and space to attack an empty goal, which he promptly did to give his team the three points.
Despite the defeat, FC Goa remained in second place on the standings with 28 points, just three points behind leaders Odisha FC with two games in hand. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, meanwhile, climbed to third place with 26 points.
Next up for the Gaurs is another assignment at home, against NorthEast United next Wednesday before they take on Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City FC in back-to-back away matches.
