FC Goa claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. The win propelled the Gaurs to second place in the standings with 36 points, overtaking Jamshedpur FC (34).
Odisha FC had the first significant opportunity of the match in the 28th minute when Ahmed Jahouh, making his 150th ISL appearance, nearly scored from a brilliantly placed free-kick. His effort rattled the crossbar, giving the visitors an early spark. However, FC Goa quickly regained control with a well-structured attacking move.
Midfielder Carl McHugh orchestrated the breakthrough, slicing open the Odisha defense with a well-paced pass to Borja Herrera on the left side of the box. Herrera, displaying quick thinking, squared the ball to Brison Fernandes, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner in the 29th minute, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
Odisha FC had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 38th minute when Diego Mauricio won a penalty after being fouled by Aakash Sangwan, who was also booked for the challenge. Mauricio stepped up to take the spot-kick, aiming for the right corner, but FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made a stunning diving save to maintain his team’s lead.
FC Goa extended their advantage in the second half through an unfortunate own goal. Iker Guarrotxena won a free kick, and Herrera’s long ball found Sandesh Jhingan inside the box. Mourtada Fall attempted a clearance, but the ball landed at Brison Fernandes’ feet. His powerful shot took a deflection off Odisha midfielder Lalthathanga Khawlhring and found the back of the net, making it 2-0 in the 51st minute.
Sergio Lobera’s Odisha side responded swiftly, capitalizing on an FC Goa defensive lapse in the 54th minute. Hugo Boumous played a brilliant through ball to Rahul KP on the right side of the box, and the winger finished with precision, sending the ball into the bottom left corner to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Odisha gained momentum after the goal and looked threatening, but their comeback hopes were dealt a major blow in the 73rd minute when Jahouh was sent off. The midfielder received his second yellow card for a handball while trying to stop Guarrotxena’s counterattack, reducing the Juggernauts to 10 men.
With a numerical advantage, FC Goa controlled the final stages of the match, keeping Odisha at bay and securing their 10th win of the season. Despite Odisha’s late efforts, the Gaurs remained resolute in defense, ensuring their rise to second place in the ISL standings.
The victory strengthens FC Goa’s push for a top finish, while Odisha FC will need to regroup quickly as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
