Bhubaneswar, April 30 (NationPress) FC Goa triumphed over Mohun Bagan Super Giant with a score of 3-1, securing their spot in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup on Wednesday. The match was level at 1-1 at halftime. Goals from Brison Fernandes (20’), Iker Guarrotxena (51’ p), and Borja Herrera (58’) ensured a solid win for Manolo Márquez's team against Bastab Roy's young squad.

The Gaurs, who claimed the title in 2019, will compete against the winner of the upcoming match between Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC in Saturday's final.

Right from the start, Goa applied relentless pressure on Mohun Bagan's defense, forcing them onto the back foot with their energetic high-pressing style that left the Mariners' midfield struggling to keep up.

Furthermore, Goa showcased creativity in their set-piece strategies, and in the 20th minute, Brison Fernandes took advantage of a well-executed corner kick to net the opening goal. From a clever corner routine, Borja Herrera delivered a precise cross into the danger area, allowing Brison to glance the ball into the far corner.

However, Goa's lead was short-lived as Mohun Bagan equalized just two minutes later. Ashique Kuruniyan received a pass on the byline and, demonstrating remarkable speed and skill, left defender Boris Singh behind before sending a low cross into the six-yard box. Suhail Bhat merely tapped it in, replicating his quarter-final goal against Kerala Blasters.

In the second half, the Gaurs emerged with renewed energy and determination. Within a minute, Brison's dynamic midfield run and pass opened up an opportunity for Dejan Drazic on the left side of the box, although he pulled his shot wide. The absence of Mohun Bagan's defense foreshadowed more trouble ahead.

In the 50th minute, an unmarked Drazic was brought down by a reckless challenge from Dheeraj Singh, leading the referee to award a penalty. Iker Guarrotxena stepped up and confidently converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Things worsened for Dheeraj just seven minutes later when he misjudged a corner from Herrera, which sailed over him and into the net. Herrera's corners were consistently dangerous, and this time he found the perfect mix of curl and height to outmaneuver the goalkeeper.

The Mariners appeared to be out of the match, yet they had a fleeting chance to narrow the gap when Salahudheen broke free from a long ball by Nuno Reis, rounded the goalkeeper, and faced an open net. However, he took one touch too many, allowing Goa's defense to make a crucial block on the line.

From that point on, it was all about game management for Goa, who executed it flawlessly, even coming close to scoring a fourth in the closing moments. They progressed to the final, keeping alive their hopes for a first Asian campaign since 2021 and a second Super Cup title.