ISL 2025-26: FC Goa Secures Victory Over SC Delhi with Drazic's Goal
Key Takeaways
Fatorda (Goa), Feb 26 (NationPress) A brilliant first-half goal from Dejan Drazic was the key moment in FC Goa's narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting Club Delhi during Match 15 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday.
This win marked FC Goa's second straight victory, allowing them to momentarily ascend to the top of the league table with seven points from three matches, while SC Delhi finds itself at the bottom. Dejan Dražić was named Player of the Match.
Head coach Manolo Márquez made a single change in his starting eleven, bringing in Ishan Pandita to lead the attack in place of Muhammed Nemil. In contrast, SC Delhi's coach Tomasz Tchórz implemented three changes, with Nora Fernandes taking the goalkeeper position, Ayush Adhikari stepping into midfield for Mohammed Aimen, and Alex Saji filling in defensively for Clarence Fernandes.
Both teams had their moments of pressure in the rival half, but genuine scoring chances were scarce as the defenses held strong. Sandesh Jhingan came closest for the home team with a header that just missed the target. At the opposite end, Matija Babović attempted a long-range shot, forcing Hrithik Tiwari to make a save, while Abdul Hudu also tested the keeper.
FC Goa broke the stalemate two minutes before halftime with a skillfully executed shot from Dejan Dražić. Akash Sangwan sent in a curling cross from the left, and Dražić timed his run perfectly to slot it home, marking his third goal of the season.
Shortly after the hour mark, FC Goa had a chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty after SC Delhi's Ayush was deemed to have handled the ball in the area. However, Dražić, attempting his third penalty in as many matches, missed the opportunity by sending the ball over the crossbar.
The Gaurs kept pressing to secure a second goal but faced a resilient defense from the visitors. Their best chance came just before the hydration break when Ayush Chhetri’s shot was cleared off the line by Rafael Ribeiro. Moments later, Ribeiro had a chance to score from a corner but his powerful header went off target.
In the final quarter, the home team maintained possession to safeguard their one-goal lead. Coach Tchórz made substitutions in search of an equalizer, but his side struggled to produce significant opportunities to threaten the goalkeeper, allowing FC Goa to clinch another hard-earned three points.