Down by an early goal, FC Goa enjoyed total domination right through the match to finish with an odd goal from three win against Bengaluru FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday and stay within a semblance of a chance of winning the ISL Shield.
Visitors Bengaluru FC, who needed a win or a draw to qualify for the knock out, will rue their approach that was pedantic, except for the first-minute goal that caught everyone by surprise.
The early goal rattled the hosts who played with an entertaining hunger with Boris Thangjam being in the thick of action – twitching and turning before throwing in opportunities to his colleagues inside the rival box.
So consistent was FC Goa’s attack that the visitors seemed at loss, committing a number of unforced errors. However, as in the past, the FC Goa lads seemed short of ideas when scoring mattered.
FC Goa had three decent chances of equalising in the first 15 minutes of the game, but none could translate into goals or even bother Bengaluru FC keeper Gurpreet Sandhu.
With Bengaluru unable to retaliate and giving the host the upper hand, the expected equaliser rolled in the 22ndminute when an unassuming shot by Boris deflected from defender Odei Zabala’s legs to kiss the nets past a bewildered Gurpreet.
The equaliser did not change the momentum of the game, as the hosts dominated and the visitors were not too keen to break the deadlock as points shared would see them break into the top six position and be within half a chance of qualifying for the knockout.
The second half continued in the same rhythm of the first but the pace intensified for Goa two minutes into the session when referee Crystal John red carded Suresh Wangjam of Bengaluru for a foul that looked innocuous for marching orders.
Playing against ten men, FC Goa had its first clear chance of taking the lead in the 52nd minute when Carlos Rodriguez let go a low shot to the left of Gurpreet which saw the latter punch it away for what was the best save of the evening.
Boris, who was the pick of the day, had a nice view of goal in the 66thminute, but the hardworking right winger shied away from what could have been an easy opportunity to take the lead.
Boris showed his ability to take the ball in from the flank into the rival box and also his inability to strike iron when it is hot. When he could have had a shot, he preferred to pass and when he did try a shot, it was wayward.
However, as the game appeared to be rolling with both teams sharing points, substitute Borja sent in a crisp cross to Gurpreet’s left which was well met by Boris and tapped in for the winner.
Captain Brandon Fernandes, who had a start after a few games, opened the game for his colleagues with his neat passes through the ground and he, along with Rowllin Borges, helped choke the right of Bengaluru FC.
FC Goa is now in third position – three points below second placed Mohun Bagan Super Giants and table leaders Mumbai City FC.
