FC Goa get first win of Super Cup thanks to late Iker Guarrotxena winner
FC Goa recorded their first win of the 2023 Hero Super Cup as their star forward duo of Noah Sadaoui and Iker Guarrotxena combined to give the Gaurs all three points with a goal in the late stages of the match.
The Gaurs finished with 19 shots on goal but had to wait till the end to get their coveted three points.
Noah looked set to seal the late win when he broke behind Gokulam’s backline but saw his effort being saved by Shibin Raj. The rebound fell kindly for the opportunistic Iker Guarrotxena, who slotted in his 13th strike of the season from close range before the team joined in celebrations with Brandon Fernandes’ shirt with the captain missing his action due to personal reasons.
Dull first period
The match promised much in the opening minutes after Fares Arnaout rose the highest in the eighth minute but saw his header from a corner crash off the frame of the goal and rebound to safety. A few minutes later, Iker Guarrotxena extended his muscles to the furthest but failed to make the telling touch.
The afternoon heat seemed to have had a big impact on both sides as the game wore on. Neither team was able to find any sort of rhythm in the first period as it finished without a shot on target being recorded.
The second, half though started on a completely different tune with both keepers being called into action early on.
Game comes to life in the second half
The 49th minute saw Shibin Raj in the Gokulam goal become the hero for the home side. The keeper made a double save as he clawed away Makan Chothe’s shot from close distance before stretching low to his left to deny Saviour Gama the opener.
A few minutes later, it was Gokulam on the charge as Sourav K found space down the left flank. The forward showed off his pace to get one-on-one with the onrushing Arshdeep Singh, but failed to keep his composure – toe-poking his attempt wide of the mark.
As the game became more end-to-end, both sides had opportunities to win it. Gokulam saw Sergio Mendigutxia miss their best opportunity as Arshdeep Singh thwarted a one-on-one situation. Meanwhile, the former I-League champions saw a goal disallowed for a foul.
And just when it looked like the points were set to be shared, the FC Goa duo pounced on arguably the last clear opportunity to clinch three vital points which keeps them in the hunt for qualification irrespective of the result of today’s clash between Jamshedpur and ATK Mohun Bagan in the late kick-off.
The Gaurs will take on ATK Mohun Bagan in their final group game of the Super Cup on April 18.
FC Goa stay undefeated in the Reliance Foundation Development League
The young Gaurs had to rely on another late strike – this time in their game in the Goa leg of the Reliance Foundation Development League – to keep their unbeaten run going.
The boys in Orage fell behind to Salgaocar SC owing to a first strike by Sidney Gauncar but restricted the Greens to a share of the spoils. Laitonjam Lemba Singh was the man to the rescue for FC Goa with his strike in the 87th minute.
FC Goa remain on top of the Goa leg, with 5 wins and 1 draw from their 6 games so far, comfortably ahead of Velsao in second place.
Also Read: Jamshedpur, ATK Mohun Bagan gear up for top billing encounter in Group C
Also Read: Bengaluru’s Udanta out for redemption in Hero Super Cup
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
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…