FC Goa ended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s eight-match unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.
A brilliant performance from Brison Fernandes, who scored both goals for the hosts, ensured the Gaurs secured all three points and climbed to the third position on the Indian Super League (ISL) table with 22 points from 12 matches.
Head coach Manolo Márquez made four changes to the starting XI from FC Goa’s previous draw against Bengaluru FC, bringing in Mohammad Yasir, Borja Herrera, Brison Fernandes, and Armando Sadiku. The tactical tweaks paid dividends as the Gaurs dominated large portions of the game.
The Men in Orange started brightly, and were rewarded in the 12th minute. Brison capitalised on a pass from Borja Herrera, weaving past Asish Rai before unleashing a shot from outside the box. A deflection off Mohun Bagan captain Tom Aldred left goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stranded as the ball looped into the net.
Not satisfied with just the early breakthrough, the hosts kept up the pressure, with Brison and Yasir coming close to doubling the advantage. However, Mohun Bagan nearly equalised just before halftime when Manvir Singh and Dimitrios Petratos tested the Goa defence. A crucial block from Sandesh Jhingan in stoppage time ensured the Gaurs maintained their slender lead heading into the break.
The Mariners finally managed to level the score in the 55th minute through a penalty by Dimitrios Petratos. The decision to award the spot-kick for a handball against Sadiku was contentious, as the Albanian appeared to have used his arm only to
support his fall. Despite the setback, FC Goa regained their composure and took the lead again in the 68th minute. A beautifully orchestrated move involving Sadiku, Borja, and Yasir ended with Borja delivering a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Brison nodded the ball home to complete his brace.
The Mariners pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but FC Goa’s defence, led by skipper Odei Onaindia and ably supported by the likes of Aakash Sangwan, Boris Singh and goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, held firm.
With this win, FC Goa ended the first half of their league phase on a high. They now enjoy a seven-match unbeaten streak and head into the new year with strong momentum. Their next challenge will be an away game against Odisha FC on January 4, 2025.
