ISL 2025-26: Second half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1


Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 win over Odisha FC, who found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to victory after a series of draws and defeat, moving to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The first half was a measured match, with both teams enjoying possession but struggling to create clear chances. Rahul KP was the liveliest presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defense with two early tries, while the hosts were caught offside several times as they tried to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh went close after a sharp run into the box but Amrinder Singh held firm and denied the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved a potential escape for both sides, with Moreno going straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya narrowly missing, but neither side managed to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

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After the restart, the pace picked up, with Odisha closing in on the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the striker’s effort was saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately, breaking the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-executed move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the Odisha defense and found Drazic in the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado sent the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the striker showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its lead in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno took a free kick from distance and smashed through the wall with a low effort. The ball bounced a few times before settling in the bottom left corner, making the score 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh made a mistake in the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha pulled one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late, as the home team walked away with all three points.

Published on April 10, 2026



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