Fatorda, Feb 14 (NationPress) In their inaugural match, Inter Kashi showcased a resilient and well-organized performance, managing to secure a 1-1 draw against AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa in the second match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Saturday.

Despite dominating possession and crafting more significant opportunities, FC Goa could only settle for a draw. Inter Kashi took an early lead thanks to Prasanth Karuthadathkuni (45+2’), but Dejan Dražić later equalized with a penalty (84’). The Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés received a red card for a last-man tackle on Muhammed Nemil inside the box, while Dražić was awarded the Player of the Match.

The match kicked off at an exhilarating pace. Alfred Planas tested FC Goa's goalkeeper early on, and Brison Fernandes forced a crucial save from Kashi's keeper. Inter Kashi appeared dangerous during set-pieces, with Rohit Danu having his shot saved and Narender Gahlot’s follow-up blocked within the six-yard area. FC Goa gradually took charge, passing meticulously and probing down the flanks. In the thirty-fourth minute, Nemil came close to scoring, his left-footed strike from inside the box brilliantly tipped over by Tarrés.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Inter Kashi found the net in stoppage time. Karuthadathkuni made a perfectly timed run and executed a composed left-footed finish into the bottom right corner after being assisted by Tomba Singh. This goal came as a shock to the home side.

FC Goa returned with heightened urgency in the second half, pushing higher up the field and attempting to exploit the Inter Kashi defense. Udanta Singh took a shot from distance near the hour mark, while Nemil and Brison Fernandes continued searching for chances. Sandesh Jhingan’s header went wide, and Dražić missed narrowly as the pressure mounted on the debutants. Nevertheless, Tarrés was vigilant, saving Drazic’s angled effort in the 75th minute to maintain their lead.

The critical moment occurred in the 80th minute when Nemil was fouled inside the penalty area, earning FC Goa a penalty. During this sequence, Inter Kashi’s Tarrés was shown a red card, leaving the visitors with ten players. Substitute goalkeeper Shubham Dhas was introduced immediately. Dražić stepped up and confidently converted the penalty into the bottom left corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

With the numerical advantage in the final 10 minutes, FC Goa ramped up their efforts for a winning goal. Pol Moreno’s close-range header was thwarted by Dhas in stoppage time, and Raynier Fernandes headed over as FC Goa pressed hard in the dying moments. However, Inter Kashi held firm and displayed excellent discipline in defense to earn a crucial first point in their ISL debut.