FC Goa triumped over Kerala Blasters in the 2024 Indian Super League (ISL), winning 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, on Thursday.
Thanks to a 40th minute strike from Boris Singh, the Gaurs were able to hold on to their lead, thanks to a resolute display of defense, despite KBFC trying their best to get the equalizer towards the end of the game.
With this win, FC Goa go up to fifth in the points table, with 15 points in nine game, whereas KBFC languish in ninth place, with 11 points after ten games.
This, incidentally, happens to be their fourth home defeat of the season, the most they’ve suffered in a single ISL season.
#5: Consistency the name of the game for FC Goa
Under Manolo Marquez, FC Goa have been a no nonsense side and it is continuing to be seen, with the Gaurs moving from strength to strength.
With four wins and a draw in their last five games, and three wins on the trot, FC Goa have turned their slow start and are sitting in a healthy position at the table, just two points below second place Mohun Bagan.
While Bengaluru FC might be running away at the top, FC Goa could make a late charge for the ISL Shield, if they continue their momentum.
#4: Kerala Blasters not helping themselves
For KBFC, the problems continue to loom large. Mikael Stahre, after taking over from fan favorite Ivan Vukomanovic, who took KBFC to the playoffs for three seasons in a row, is facing the heat after suffering the fifth defeat of the season.
What’s worse, this being their fourth home defeat of the season, the Blasters also failed to score for the first time in 17 home games, ending what was a splendid run.
With 10 games played and only 11 points on the board, things aren’t looking good for the men in yellow.
#3: Resolute defending from Manolo Marquez’s men
This match was all about the discipline shown by Manolo’s Goa side. Coming to the backyard of the Blasters and keeping a cleansheet, something sixteen visitors previously haven’t been able to do is something to be very proud of.
Interestingly, it was Manolo Marquez, as head coach of Hyderabad FC, who managed to keep a cleansheet at the Blaster’s home ground.
What we saw today was a team that was determined to keep the cleansheet, no matter what is up against them.
Boris Singh, having scored the only goal, was spectacular in defense, especially in marking Noah Sadaoui, who was kept quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
These are the defensive numbers put up by the Gaurs tonight. Sensational stuff!
(Photo Credit: JioCinema)
#2: What did the coaches say?
As expected, Mikael Stahre cut a frustrated figure at the full time whistle, not pleased with the way his team conceded the goal.
”We can’t concede these kinds of goals. The first 20 minutes, I think we executed the game plan perfectly despite not scoring, but then we lost a little bit of the momentum in the middle of the first half and and then of course, really disappointed to concede that kind of goal,” he said after the match.
“We had chances to to score but we weren’t sharp enough in the in the final third,” he added.
Manolo, on the other hand, despite a stoic outlook, was pleased with his team’s efforts defensively, although he wanted them to be doing more than just defending.
“It is very difficult to play in this atmosphere. We play a great game in terms of discipline, positioning, but I feel that that we need more football, practically in some moments we were only only defending,” he said.
#1: What next for both teams?
Kerala Blasters face a tough couple of away trips against the table toppers, starting with the reverse of the Southern Derby against Bengaluru FC on 7th December.
FC Goa will also be on the road for their next game, facing Hyderabad FC on the 4th of December, Manolo facing his former club.
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