FC Goa will need a heroic comeback at home to
keep their ISL 2024-25 title hopes alive after a 2-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the semi-final first leg at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday night.
An unfortunate own goal from Sandesh Jhingan and a second-half strike by Édgar Méndez gave the hosts the upper hand, but with the second leg set for Fatorda, the Gaurs are far from finished.
Head coach Manolo Márquez named a strong lineup for the crucial clash, with Iker Guarrotxena leading the attack, supported by Borja Herrera, Brison Fernandes and Udanta Singh. Hrithik Tiwari stood tall in goal, while captain Odei Onaindia marshaled the backline alongside Jhingan, Boris Singh and Aakash Sangwan.
The Gaurs showed early promise, moving the ball with confidence and testing the Bengaluru defence. However, it was the hosts who threatened first in the 8th minute when Pedro Capó’s header was saved well by Hrithik Tiwari.
FC Goa responded in the 27th minute with their first real chance. A pinpoint Borja Herrera free-kick found Odei Onaindia who set up Udanta Singh, but the winger’s shot was blocked.
Bengaluru, however, struck just before half-time in the most unfortunate of ways. Edgar Mendez whipped in a cross intended for Ryan Williams, but as Jhingan stretched to cut it out, the ball deflected off him and into the Goa net.
FC Goa came out with renewed intent in the second half, with Brison Fernandes going close in the 48th minute before Guarrotxena fired just over moments later. But the hosts struck again in the 51st minute when Namgyal Bhutia’s cross found Méndez, who slotted home to double Bengaluru’s advantage.
Despite the setback, the Gaurs pressed on. Aakash Sangwan’s cross in the 54th minute nearly found Herrera, whose header went agonisingly wide. Guarrotxena came close again in the 71st minute, his header flashing past the post after a fine cross from Udanta.
The final moments saw Goa pile on the pressure. A stunning long-range effort from Guarrotxena was saved in the 81st minute, while Boris Singh’s shot two minutes later, was palmed away by the Bengaluru goalkeeper. Carl McHugh nearly found a late lifeline in the 89th minute, but his shot whistled past the post.
Despite the result, the Gaurs will take heart from their fighting display and will now turn their focus to the second leg at Fatorda on Sunday, April 6.
