FC Goa qualifies for the playoffs after a thrilling draw against Punjab FC

FC Goa qualified for the playoffs of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 after a 3-3 draw against Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi tonight.
The two teams couldn’t win the contest, but the breathtaking nature of the game was such that the spectators returned as the eventual and rightful winners.
The Gaurs ran circles around the Punjab FC defence for the better portion of the first half. Goalkeeper Ravi Kumar had to step into the action frequently, saving a range of efforts both from distance as well as close by. They cracked open the proceedings courtesy of Carl McHugh.
Having won a corner, Borja Herrera pulled off a unique move, curling the ball to the Irish central midfielder placed in the middle of the 18-yard box.
Impressively, he received the ball with ease and drilled it into the back of the net in one go, pegging Punjab FC back, much to the dismay of the home supporters. That was followed by the trio of Raynier Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, and Herrera taking rounds to test the Punjab FC custodian.
Noah had set up a slick move for Fernandes in the 24th minute, and the Mumbai-based midfielder did well to shoot with pace on target, but was kept at bay by Ravi. Similarly, Ravi repeatedly rushed to the rescue of the Staikos Vergetis-coached unit, and their forwards relished the benefit of that in the second essay of the game.
As usual, it was the terrific trio of Madih Talal, Luka Majcen, and Wilmar Jordan Gil who worked their magic for Punjab FC in the final third. Nine minutes into the second half, Talal showed commendable control to see off a challenge by Raynier on the touchline on the right flank. He launched in a cross for Gil inside the box, who squared up the ball for Majcen. The Slovenian was marked though, and hence he believed it to be better than Gil. Majcen simply laid the ball with a small pass to Gil on the right, and this mini exchange bagged the equaliser for Punjab FC.
A chaotic half hour of the game followed, with the game swinging both ways multiple times. As the match progressed, Punjab FC resorted countering the opposition. Majcen struck the back of the net in the 61st minute, and it had come thanks to Talal racing down the right flank and producing the perfect delivery for the striker that he slammed in home to get a slender lead. Noah recovered FC Goa by converting a spot-kick in the 72nd minute, which the Gaurs earned because of Boris Singh and his smart work with his feet inside the box.
The joy of the equaliser didn’t last long for the visitors, with Juan Mera pulling off an almost solo effort against an unorganized FC Goa defence, which wore a completely disoriented look, unlike the team that had conceded only 14 goals in the competition before this match. Mera made light work of breaking them apart as he sprinted down the flank and shot inside the ball to get the lead back in their favour.
The Gaurs desperately needed a point to qualify for the playoffs, and their specialist striker Carlos Martinez did the honours by tapping in a squared up delivery by Noah in the 84th minute of the contest.
Key Performer of the Match: Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)
The striker scored and assisted once, in addition to completing 13 out of his 16 passes, making a clearance and interception each, and also drew three fouls in this game.
What’s next for both teams?
FC Goa will return to action against Bengaluru FC on March 14, whereas Punjab FC’s forthcoming fixture is scheduled on April 2 against Odisha FC.
Brief Scores
FC Goa 3 (Carl McHugh 5’, Noah Sadaoui 72’, Carlos Martinez 84’) – 3 Punjab FC (Wilmar Jordan Gil 54’, Luka Majcen 62’, Juan Mera 78’)
Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Mumbai Super League
Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of MFA Premier League (MPL).
Also Read: MH Oranje FC U23 kicked-off their playoff campaign with an exhilarating 2-0 win over Somaiya FC
Also Read: Mumbai Super League Playoff:Om Saidham, Somaiya FC settle for 2-2 draw
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Go Equal Premier League (GEPL)
Go Equal Premier League to host India’s First Co-ed Influencer Football Cup in Mumbai on February 2nd
The Go Equal Premier League (GEPL), a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in football, is set to host India’s first-ever Influencer Football Cup on February 2nd, 2025, in Bandra, Mumbai.
MFA / MFA Elite Corporate League
Mumbai Corporate League Begins: Milton Fernando & Joe Miranda Grace the Opener
The Mumbai Corporate League 2024-25 season commenced on Monday with Football Icon Milton Fernando and MYJ FC owner Joe Miranda gracing the occasion The clash saw last season’s Mumbai Super…
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
Mumbai City FC held to their seventh draw of the season after a goalless stalemate against East Bengal FC
Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against the East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. This was East…
Dream Sports Championship: RFYC, Brothers SA, MSSA and Mumbai City FC kick off campaign with wins
The second season of Dream Sports Championship kicked off with the Mumbai Leg seeing 6 teams split in two groups of 3 teams each RFYC, Brothers SA record commanding victories…
Mumbai Super League: MSP, Mumbai Ultras book final round slot
Nihal Colaco’s injury time brace helped MSP edge past Charkop while in other game, Ultras breezed past ROQs-DFA courtesy strike from Joyson, Shreyas and co. In group A, with one…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League Championship Group Kicks Off with Mumbay FC, Hope United Victory
The Mumbai Premier League Championship Group stage began with a statement victory for Mumbay FC while Hope United secured a close 1-0 win New entrant Mumbay FC secured a commanding…
Jamshedpur FC displace FC Goa at second spot with a clinical 3-1 victory
Cirkovic and Siverio strikers help Jamshedpur FC defeat FC Goa by 3-1 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. Khalid Jamil became the…
Dreams Sports Championship: RFYC to lock horns with Brothers SA in regional final
Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Brothers Sports Association setup final clash in Mumbai leg of Dreams Sports Championship Mumbai, February 05, 2025: The Reliance Foundation Young Champs continued their brilliant run…
ISL matches happening in Shillong will have a positive impact on Meghalaya’s footballing culture: Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte
Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte is all set and geared up to feature in the Indian Super League (ISL)’s debut in Meghalaya with NorthEast United FC hosting the Islanders…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
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…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
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.
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…