Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: FC Goa staged a thrilling late comeback to defeat Punjab FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The dramatic win propelled the Gaurs into the semi-finals of the competition.
The match began with both teams battling for control, but the first half ended in a goalless draw, largely due to an exceptional diving save by FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who denied a powerful effort from Nikhil Prabhu.
It was Punjab FC who broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Muhammad Suhail’s shot from the right side of the box struck the post, and the rebound fell to Ezequiel Pulga Vidal, whose strike took a wicked deflection off Goa captain Odei Onaindia and rolled into the corner, past a helpless Tiwari, giving Punjab the lead.
However, FC Goa refused to back down. Head coach Manolo Marquez’s timely substitutions injected fresh energy into the team. Sahil Tavora, who replaced Ayush Chhetri, brought composure to the midfield, while Marquez’s bold decision to bring on young striker Alan Saji in place of star defender Sandesh Jhingan showed his intent to chase the game.
The persistence paid off in the 88th minute. Substitute Brison Fernandes delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which the Punjab defense failed to clear. The ball fell to Borja Herrera, who expertly controlled it before blasting it past Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Khan at the near post to level the score.
With the match nearing its conclusion, FC Goa pressed for a winner, knowing that a draw would lead to penalties. The Gaurs found their moment in stoppage time. Dejan Drazic floated a cross from the left, and though Pramveer Singh attempted to clear, the ball fell to Mohammad Yasir at the edge of the box. Yasir’s shot, deflected by Filip Mrzljak, wrong-footed the goalkeeper and nestled into the corner of the net, securing a sensational comeback for FC Goa.
With this dramatic victory, FC Goa, under the guidance of Manolo Marquez, will now turn their focus to a blockbuster semi-final clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant next Wednesday.
