GOA: FC Goa defeated Odisha FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The Gaurs jumped to the second spot, replacing Jamshedpur FC (34), as a result of this triumph, having 36 points to their name.
In the 29th minute, Goa’s Carl McHugh was at the centre of this move, slicing open the Odisha FC backline with a well-paced pass for Borja Herrera in the inside channel down the left side of the box.
Herrera picked up the ball with a deft touch and squared it immediately for Brison Fernandes in the middle of the 18-yard area. Brison adjusted his feet and drilled the ball into the bottom right corner with a rather reflexive shot.
The duo of Herrera and Brison came back to mount problems on Odisha FC in the second half. As Iker Guarrotxena won a free kick from distance, Herrera’s long ball was directed towards Sandesh Jhingan deep into the box. Mourtada Fall made a hasty clearance and the ball landed at Brison’s feet. The attacker hurled in a powerful shot, which took a deflection off Lalthathanga Khawlhring, resulting in an own goal on the Odisha FC player’s name.
The Juggernauts dragged their way back into the game as they caught the FC Goa midfield in a slightly disoriented shape in the 54th minute. Odisha FC hit the Gaurs on a quick counter, with Hugo Boumous unlocking their defence with an impeccable through ball finding Rahul KP on the right side of the box. Rahul hammered the ball into the bottom left corner with an instinctive finish that could have opened the gateways for their comeback in the game.
To their credit, Odisha FC did engage in a fruitful period causing troubles to the FC Goa backline post this goal, but their run was halted with Ahmed Jahouh getting sent off in the 73rd minute for his second yellow card offence.
FC Goa will play their next game against Mumbai City FC on February 12, whereas Odisha FC are set to feature against Punjab FC on February 10.
(ISL Media Team)
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