Continuing their impressive resurgence, FC Goa achieved a hat-trick of victories in Guwahati on Friday. The 2-0 win against NorthEast United FC lifted them to the second spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) table.
Match Summary
With 19 points from 10 matches, the Gaurs trail league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant (20 points) by just one point. Mumbai City FC closely follows with 18 points, though both MBSG and MCFC have a game in hand.
Dejan Drazic opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and substitute Mohammed Yasir added a stoppage-time strike (90+3) to secure all three points for the visitors at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
For NorthEast United, consecutive losses kept them rooted in 12th place with seven points from 10 games. Goa captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a rock-solid performance as a centre-back, was named Player of the Match.
First Half Action
The hosts started brightly but failed to convert their early chances. Goa broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when striker Muhammed Nemil sent a cheeky lofted pass from deep to winger Drazic, whose right-footed strike found the bottom corner.
Unfortunately for Goa, Drazic's evening ended early due to an injury, and he was replaced by Abdul Rabeeh just six minutes after scoring. Despite continued attacking efforts, Goa could not double their lead before halftime, while the backline, led by an alert Jhingan, denied the hosts.
Second Half and Late Goal
The second half followed a similar pattern. NorthEast United searched for an equalizer with mostly weak attempts, while Goa probed the defence without much success. As the hosts increased pressure late in the game, Goa sealed the victory in added time.
In the 90+3 minute, wing-back Aakash Sangwan's cross from the left found Mohammed Yasir on the right. The Manipuri winger curled a superb left-footer into the top left corner, hitting the inside of the post before crossing the line, completing a commanding performance for the Gaurs.
