FC Goa continued its strong run in the 2025-2026 Indian Super League as they registered a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
A first-half goal from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from ten games. NorthEast United remained twelfth with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who put in an impressive performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.
The Highlanders started brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate in the penalty area. At the other end, Boris Singh came close twice from distance, but both attempts went wide.
NorthEast United looked threatening at half-time, with Jithin MS almost taking advantage of a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, but was denied by a composed save from Tiwari.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a high pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off fullback Mayakkanann’s pressure before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to put Goa ahead.
Drazic’s evening was cut short shortly afterwards as he had to leave with an injury and was replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.
Goa continued to exert control, with Jhingan marshaling the defense and piling up key interceptions to negate NorthEast’s attacks. The hosts took the lead a few more times late in the first half, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1–0 lead into half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast looked for openings. Goa’s early pressure almost produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.
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NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.
Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear opportunities remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defense without adding to the scoring.
As NorthEast pushed for an equalizer, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the action before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled the ball before curling a left-footed shot into the top corner of the post.
FC Goa saw the remaining minutes to secure the victory.
Published on April 24, 2026
