In a home match that had everything riding on it for FC Goa, they came through when it mattered the most, securing a 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters to keep their faint hopes alive for the ISL Shield.
While the result was crucial, the performance itself was a mixed bag, a reflection of both moments of brilliance and periods of struggle. This match saw Goa's ability to grind out results and play with the kind of determination needed at this stage of the season.
SLOW START
The first half of the match was a story of caution, with both teams seemingly reluctant to take risks in the early stages. Neither side posed any real danger until the 16th minute, with no attempts at goal in the opening 20 minutes.
Goa, who had recently secured an impressive 3-1 win over Mumbai City FC, appeared to be lacking the same energy and drive. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, looked more organised, restricting Goa's offensive options and denying them space to make any meaningful attacks.
The first half of the match was a story of caution, with both teams seemingly reluctant to take risks in the early stages.
FC Goa's first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when they earned their first corner. Carl McHugh’s header off the corner was the closest they came to scoring in the first half, but the ball bounced just wide of the goalkeeper.
Despite having possession and some good individual performances, notably from Aakash Sangwan on the left flank and Boris Singh on the right, Goa failed to make a dent in Kerala's well-coordinated defence.
The first half saw Goa lack the cutting edge required to break down a determined Kerala side, and their overall play felt sluggish. The absence of Borja Herrera, missing due to yellow card accumulation, was clearly felt in the midfield, where Goa struggled to maintain the rhythm they had shown in previous matches.
Kerala, meanwhile, looked the more composed, creating a couple of half-chances. In the 27th minute, Renthlei Lalthanmawia fired a weak shot from outside the box that sailed wide, and it was clear that Kerala was also finding it difficult to make any real breakthroughs.
As the half drew on, Goa's attack was often disjointed, and they failed to build on any promising moves. Their performance lacked the energy they had shown in their previous match. The half-time whistle came as a relief, as both sides entered the break with little to show in terms of goals or decisive moments.
SECOND-HALF SURGE
The turning point came immediately after the break. Goa emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose, and within just a minute of the second half, they took the lead.
Dejan Drazic's long-range shot from outside the box was parried away by Kerala goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh, but the rebound fell kindly for Iker Guarrotxena, who made no mistake in tapping the ball into an empty net. The Goa fans erupted, and the atmosphere shifted.
The turning point came immediately after the break. Goa emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose, and within just a minute of the second half, they took the lead.
With the lead in hand, Goa seemed to play with more freedom. But despite being a goal down, Kerala continued to press forward. In the 60th minute, a promising opportunity fell to Kerala substitute Sandeep Singh, whose shot from an acute angle failed to test Goa's goalkeeper. That was a pivotal moment in the match—Kerala had their chance to equalise but failed to convert.
GOA'S OFFENSE
The 73rd minute proved to be a key moment as FC Goa's Yasir Mohammed capitalising on a fine pass from Guarrotxena, found himself in the perfect position to score Goa’s second goal. His calm finish sealed the game, and at that moment, the result seemed all but assured.
Kerala’s attempts to get back into the game grew more desperate. Jiminez and Luna, who had been ineffective for most of the match, failed to make an impact, while Mohammed Aimen showed flashes of quality but lacked the support around him.
Goa, on the other hand, looked more comfortable after scoring their second, with Brison Fernandes and Armando Sadiku, who came in as substitutes, offering fresh legs and more attacking options.
ANXIOUS MOMENT
The final moments of the game, however, were marred by a moment of concern. Iker Guarrotxena, who had been central to Goa's attacking play, appeared to struggle for breath after clashing with a Kerala player. It was a moment of anxiousness for both the player and the fans. He had to be substituted.
The final moments of the game, however, were marred by a moment of concern. Iker Guarrotxena, who had been central to Goa's attacking play, appeared to struggle for breath.
VITAL WIN
In the end, FC Goa secured the three points they so desperately needed to stay in contention for the ISL Shield. However, it was also a performance that highlighted the need for improvement.
With this win, they also extended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s wait for the ISL title – as a loss for the Gaurs tonight would have automatically crowned the Mariners the League Winners. Now, the Jose Molina-coached side needs a win in their next game against Odisha FC on Sunday to achieve that feat.
But for now, FC Goa’s fans can savour the moment, knowing their team has kept their slim hopes alive—at least for one more game. After 21 games, FC Goa are on 42 points and next play Punjab FC on February 27.