ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Triumphs Over Kerala Blasters with Boris Singh’s Sole Strike and Strong Defense
Click to start listening
Kochi, Nov 28 (NationPress) Boris Singh netted the only goal as FC Goa achieved their 50th clean sheet in the league, maintaining their impressive form by defeating Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.
The match was a fiercely competitive encounter, with neither side giving an inch. The midfield battle was particularly intriguing, featuring Kerala Blasters FC’s local talents, Vibin Mohanan and Freddy Lallawmawma, up against FC Goa’s midfield led by Carl McHugh.
The first significant chance came for Iker Guarrotxena, who rattled the post with a well-executed free-kick that caught the defenders off guard. The attempt was a well-rehearsed set piece, but the ball was cleared after hitting the far post, leaving Sachin Suresh stranded.
After the 30-minute mark, the Gaurs pressed aggressively and their efforts paid off when Sahil Tavora found Boris Singh on the right wing, who took a shot from a tight angle. To everyone's surprise, Sachin Suresh failed to make the save, leading to a goal in the 40th minute.
This season has been challenging for Mikael Stahre, with his squad facing setbacks from various individual mistakes. Today’s match saw Sachin Suresh make a significant error on what should have been a routine save. The goal gave FC Goa a crucial lead going into halftime, allowing them to control the game in the second half.
The Gaurs resumed the second half with the same intensity they had in the first. Dejan Drazic nearly doubled the score during a quick counter-attack, slipping past Pritam Kotal but was thwarted by Sachin Suresh.
As Manolo Marquez’s side kept applying pressure, Stahre opted for a tactical shift, making multiple substitutions in the 56th minute, introducing Kwame Peprah, Korou Singh, and Sandeep Singh for Jesus Jimenez, Rahul KP, and Pritam Kotal.
Peprah quickly made an impact with a well-placed diagonal ball to Noah Sadaoui, but the Moroccan's cross aimed at Luna was superbly intercepted by Akash Sangwan. There was a brief period dominated by the home side, but Odei Onaindia and Sandesh Jhingan stood strong defensively.
In the 84th minute, Manolo turned to his substitutes again, bringing in Armando Sadiku, Borja Herrera, and Udanta Singh to inject fresh energy into the squad. FC Goa’s defense was once again tested by young Korou, who made two attempts on goal in quick succession, both saved.
The youngster had a prime opportunity to score in the first instance, but Jhingan made a crucial block, sacrificing his body to protect the lead for the Gaurs.
Next up, FC Goa will head to Hyderabad to clash with Hyderabad FC on December 4, while Kerala Blasters are set to face their rivals Bengaluru FC on December 7.
