ISL 2025-26: FC Goa look to build winning momentum against SC Delhi

FC Goa will look to secure a second straight win when they play Sporting Club Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Thursday.

Goa drew 1-1 against ISL debutants Inter Kashi before beating Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 in Kolkata. On the other hand, SC Delhi started the season with a 0-2 defeat against Bengaluru FC, and went down 1-4 against East Bengal after taking the lead in the second match.

Goa head coach Manolo Marquez said ahead of the home match: «It won’t be an easy match. They (SC Delhi) had chances in both the matches they played. We have to forget the statistics when we take the field. If we don’t play well, we will have problems».

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Midfielder Ayush Chhetri, who has gradually become a regular in Goa’s midfield, said: «I have played with foreign players for the last three years and learned a lot from them. I am using that experience this season. Now I am trying to apply those lessons and take more responsibility on the field.»

A young SC Delhi side has been playing some entertaining football under Tomasz Tchórz and the early signs are that the team is looking to establish a clear identity for its playing style.

Tchórz said ahead of the match: «Goa are always difficult opponents defensively. They are very compact and at Fatorda they make the field very small to block access between the lines. Of course we have ideas on how to break their lines and attack the space behind them. We have studied the game carefully and will prepare in the best possible way.»

Delhi will be hoping to take confidence from its early attacking intent against current table-toppers East Bengal as it looks to ensure a positive outcome in what promises to be a demanding match.

Discussing the squad’s development and recent defensive issues, Tchórz said: «We are a new team and building chemistry takes time. Yes, we have conceded goals, but this is part of the process. We are working hard to become more compact and aggressive in attacking spaces and better at communication. I am convinced that with patience and faith the results will come.»

Echoing his coach’s determination, SC Delhi forward Alan Saji said, «After my injury last year, it was difficult to stay away from the game. Making my ISL debut and getting minutes on the field means a lot to me,» Saji said. “I am grateful for the coach’s trust and I am focused on scoring goals and helping the team improve every game.”

While the host will look to make home advantage count, the visitor will be keen to translate their attacking promise into a complete performance, making it a match that can be decided by narrow margins.

Published on February 25, 2026