Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: FC Goa continued their impressive run in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, securing a third consecutive win with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday.
The result sees the Gaurs climb to fifth in the points table with 15 points from nine matches, firmly establishing themselves in the race for a top spot.
The only goal of the game came in the 40th minute, courtesy of Boris Singh, who had an exceptional all-around performance. The fleet-footed winger not only netted the decisive strike that deceived the hosts’ shot-stopper Sachin Suresh at the near post, but also delivered a stellar defensive shift, completely neutralizing ex-Gaur Noah Sadaoui on the left flank.
Sadaoui, a player Kerala fans were banking on, found himself devoid of ideas and options against the relentless 23-year-old, who seemed to outthink and outrun his former teammate at every turn.
The FC Goa defensive unit was a fortress, epitomized by captain Odei Onaindia and supported brilliantly by goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, former Blasters skipper Sandesh Jhingan and left-back Aakash Sangwan. Together, they ensured that Kerala’s attacking trio – Jesus (Jimenez), (Adrian) Luna, and Noah – often referred to by their initials as the JLN of Kerala’s attack, were rendered ineffective. The raucous home crowd, whose chants aimed at unsettling the visiting Gaurs, fell eerily silent as the game wore on, with their team unable to mount a meaningful response on the pitch.
Tiwari’s big moment came when he successfully palmed away a dangerous free-kick taken by Luna just outside the box.
In the midfield, Ayush Chhetri continued his rise as one of Indian football’s brightest prospects. The youngster showcased flair and composure, combining well with the attacking unit and proving to be a constant thorn in the Yellow Army’s defence.
The Blasters did have a golden opportunity to salvage a point late in the game. In the dying minutes, Luna’s clever pass found Sandeep Singh in the box, with the defender having two clear options for a pass inside the six-yard area. However, Sandeep chose to go for glory himself, only to squander the chance by firing wide, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
This win and the three points add momentum for the Men in Orange ahead of their next assignment, another away fixture against Hyderabad FC on Tuesday.
