FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez was delighted with his team’s performance after a 4-2 win against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Saturday in the ongoing Indian Super League.
The Gaurs kicked off their 2025 campaign on a high with Brison Fernandes scoring in the eighth minute of play. However, Jahouh equalized from the spot kick in the 29th minute for the home team.
Udanta Singh was able to put the visitors in front again as he scored in the stoppage time before the half-time whistle. Fernandes then scored his second goal of the night in the 53rd minute whereas Ranawade put the game to bed in the 56th minute with an own goal.
Jerry Mawihmingthanga scored a consolation goal for the Kalinga Warriors in the 88th minute but the tourists bagged three points.
Marquez said at the post-match press conference, “I think that it’s the second defeat in the last two seasons, only Chennaiyin FC was able to win here. I feel that we didn’t play a very good first half, it was very equal, similar, but it’s the second goal, Udanta (Singh) finished in the first half, and the third goal, when they were trying to equalise the game, I think that then the third goal practically killed the game, because we scored the fourth and we could score more goals, but it’s normal (to concede). When you are losing, you have to risk.”
The Spaniard added that the result was fair as they were the better team on the pitch.
“Odisha FC is a very offensive team..Sergio Lobera, if not the best, is one of the best coaches in the history of ISL, and I like Odisha FC because they are a very complete team, in open play, in counter-attack, in set-pieces, they are very good. And we indeed managed the situation very well, and I feel that finally if you check all the 90, 96 or 100 minutes, I think that the score is fair. At least, our win.”
The Gaurs head coach also showered praise on Brison Fernandes, who scored a brace for the visiting team.
“For me, he is the best Indian player that I’ve trained in my four seasons in India. Now he’s a real player. He knows perfectly what to do in attack and defence. I’m very, very happy. I think everyone in Goa should be very satisfied with him,” Marquez said.
FC Goa will next host Hyderabad FC on 8th January at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.
