Young Ishan Pandita talks about his first ISL goal
Goa, December 31, 2020: Three points looked like a distant dream for FC Goa as their game against Hyderabad FC moved into the 87th minute yesterday night. The Nizams, to their credit, had given a really good account of themselves (as they have done time and again this season) and looked poised to end their two-game losing streak.
The ‘home’ team had thwarted most questions the Gaurs had posed while Aridane Santana had again delivered in typical fashion to help move them within minutes to all three points.
And then it all changed.
Ishan Pandita got onto the field and delivered with his very first touch.
A precise free-kick from Edu Bedia’s boots dropped into the box with enough pace for Pandita to attack There was still work to be done, though. The angle seemed awkward and only a deft yet powerful flick of the head could get that ball beyond the keeper and into the back of the net.
And that’s exactly what happened. The 22-year-old flexed his neck muscles to the fullest to direct the ball beyond former FC Goa skipper Laxmikant Kattimani, nestling the ball into the top right left corner of the Hyderabad goal.
Talk about immediate impact!
“(Scoring the goal with the very first touch) Feels amazing. Couldn’t have asked for a better introduction,” stated Pandita following his goal that changed the game for the Gaurs. “(I’m) Happy to score but happier for the three points.”
He further elaborated on his first-ever ISL goal – the coach’s intructions, his intincts and thoughts leading up to the moment.
“Well, I was warming up when the coach called me to come on. He said we’re playing two up top. He told me to stay in the box and wait for a cross,” recalled Pandita.
“Luckily the first ball that came in turned out to be a good chance and I was able to guide it home and score.”
An important win and a much-awaited goal
“It was crucial to end their year with a win. We are where we deserve to be on the table and the way we did it just makes it all more special,” said Pandita on the win that he helped script.
With Igor Angulo firing on all cylinders and ably supported by the likes of Jorge Ortiz, Brandon Fernandes and Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Pandita has found his time in the FC Goa line-up limited.
However, on Wednesday he made the most of what he got and how!
“It’s always hard not being part of the team but that’s where mental strength comes in I guess. I have to thank my family and my team for that really,” stated the youngster on his sporadic appearances.
“My mother is a big part of my positive mentality and I have to thank her for being there with me through it all.”
Whilst Pandita’s goal brought home the momentum, the comeback was complete thanks to a brilliant Igor Angulo strike 4 minutes later. Having seen him from close quarters, the youngster provided a glimpse as to what was going on in his head as the Spaniard strode on to deliver the dagger to the Hyderabad hearts.
“We go into every game looking for a win. The equaliser only gave us more momentum to go after the win,” said Pandita explaining the mood of the camp after the first goal.
“Igor is a fantastic player. It’s great to have a man like him up front. We all believe in his capabilities and we know that he’ll take whatever chance he gets so when he was on the run in that situation, I anticipated that something special could happen and made my run, but as we saw, he didn’t need much.”
Credits: FC Goa Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: We need to be prepared for everything- Sankarlal Chakraborty
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…