FC Goa go down 3-1 to Kerala Blasters

Noah Sadaoui scores his third goal of the season

Mumbai/Goa, November 13, 2022: FC Goa’s early runnings in the Indian Super League took a bit of a stumble tonight in Kochi as they went down 3-1 to Kerala Blasters. The Gaurs, who went into the game having won 3 out of their 4 opening games couldn’t continue their fine run as two late first-half goals took the wind out of them before a third at the beginning of the second made this a task too tall for Carlos Pena’s boys to overcome.

Pena rang in two changes for the game. While former Blasters man Alvaro Vazquez got in for Redeem Tlang, Saviour Gama was given his first start of the season, checking in for Fares Arnaout.

The match got off to a frantic start with both sides’ goalkeepers tested within the first 10 minutes. As Iker Guarrotxena and Alvaro Vazquez gave Prabshugan Gill gave moments to show off his prowess in between the sticks, Dheeraj Singh in the Goa goal continued his rich vein of form to thwart Sahal Abdul Samad’s effort from close range.

The Gaurs continued to create chances throughout the first half as they looked in charge of the proceedings. That was till the 42nd minute, when the game turned on its head.

A few seconds after Noah Sadaoui had failed to capitalise on a ravishing through ball from Guarrotxena, Blaster hits Goa against the run of play. Adrian Luna had the easiest task of diverting the ball into the net from five yards out after Sahal did well to control the ball in the box before turning his defender and playing it into the danger area.

A few minutes later, Kerala hit again, this time from the penalty spot after Anwar Ali was adjudged to have fouled Dimitrios Diamantakos with a last-ditch tackle. The Greek forward got up and put the opportunity away himself to give Kerala a two-goal lead into halftime.

Kerala kept the pressure up from the restart and built on their late surge in the first half. Ivan Kaliuzhnyi stretched the home side’s lead to 3 goals with a powerful thump from 30-odd yards out that left Dheeraj without a prayer.

Carlos Pena’s boys though showed resilience and didn’t throw in the towel even with a three goal difference. A few minutes after Guarrotxena had forced Gill into another brilliant low save from a one-on-one situation Goa finally got their coveted goal.

A brilliant delivery from Seriton Fernandes in his 100th appearance for the Club in the ISL was finished off in the box with a thumping header by Noah Sadaoui for his third goal of the season as the clock ran into the 67th minute.

The two sides continued to hammer and tong at each other for the rest of the 90 minutes, but only for some poor touches in the box and some superb goalkeeping to deny either side another goal.

The result sees FC Goa remain in fourth place on the table courtesy of 9 points from their 5 games. Kerala jump up to 5th on the table, tied on points with the Gaurs but having played a game more and with an inferior goal difference.

The Gaurs will be back in action this coming Sunday when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan in a match that will see their former head coach Juan Ferrando bring his troops to Goan shores for the first time since parting with the Club.

Also Read: Mumbai feels like home now: Bipin Singh

Also Read: Could India Ever Host the World Cup?

For more trial-related updates click: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share

Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season

Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…

Share

Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players

Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share