Jacki scores fastest goal of the season as Goa leave ATK staring at exit
FC Goa returned to their free-flowing ways as they hammered ATK 3-0 in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
Sergio Lobera’s team were on top throughout the game and denied the visitors space and time on the ball. Jackichand Singh scored in the first minute of play and Ferran Corominas leapfrogged Bartholomew Ogbeche to the top of the Golden Boot standings by scoring twice in the second half.
The win takes the Gaurs to the second spot on the table and in prime position to clinch a play-off spot. ATK, however, have been left six points adrift of the fourth spot with two games to play which makes their chances of going through extremely difficult.
The hosts got off to a lightning start, scoring a goal in the very first minute. 53 seconds into the first-half, Seriton Fernandes moved forward down the right flank and fed Corominas into the box. The striker found Jackichand who, from the centre of the box, thumped a first-time strike into the net.
Goa looked to be in the mood to score and ATK struggled to keep things under control. In the 13th minute, Mandar Rao Dessai skipped past a bamboozled Pritam Kotal on the left flank and fired a low cross into the box. Corominas met the ball with a delicate touch which beat a diving Arindam Bhattacharya in goal but fizzed inches wide of the goal.
The ATK custodian was then required to pull off a fine save close to the half-time break to halt a flowing move and stop Goa from doubling their lead. Coro charged at the backline through the centre and released Seriton into the box. The Spaniard then received the full-back’s cross on the turn, outfoxing Everton Santos inside the box in the process. But the goalkeeper dived to his left to deny the striker from close-range.
ATK, who had to win the game, were forced to defend higher up the pitch as they sought an equalizer, but were caught out by a quick counter-attack in the 52nd minute. Edu Bedia picked out Coro’s run down the right flank and the forward found Mandar waiting at the edge of the box. The Goan’s shot was parried into the path of Coro by the rival goalkeeper and the striker slammed home his 12th goal of the season.
After struggling to influence proceedings in the first hour, Edu Garcia finally tested Goa goalkeeper Naveen Kumar with a brilliant shot from the edge of the box as Steve Coppell’s side sought a response. The Goa goalkeeper, who had very little to do in the game, was alert to tip the ball over the bar. Balwant Singh released Edu into the box a few minutes later as ATK desperately pushed forward for a goal but the midfielder’s powerful shot from a tight angle was saved by Naveen. ATK’s attempts to get back into the game just did not bear fruit as Goa started to cruise.
Things turned from bad to worse for ATK as Ricky Lallawmawma fouled Coro inside the box and conceded a penalty in the 81st minute. The Spaniard stepped up and made it 13 goals for the season as Goa doused ATK’s fire with an excellent performance.
– Courtesy ISL Media
Also Read: A small matter of pride in ISL’s South Indian derby
Also Read: NorthEast climb above Mumbai with timely win
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach
Hyderabad FC head coach, Thangboi Singto, hailed the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as the premier scouting ground for budding football players in India. As the 2023-24 season’s National Championship…
Big brother, wonderful human being, the GOAT: Chhetri an inspiration to teammates
BHUBANESWAR: As the Indian senior men’s team gathered in the Kalinga Stadium gym for their session on Thursday morning, there was a hush in the room. Less than an hour ago,…
Sunil Chhetri: A glorious international career at a glance
Born: August 3, 1984 Debut on June 12, 2005: vs Pakistan (Quetta) Matches played: 150 (captain in 87 matches) Goals scored: 94 (Top goalscorer for India) Trophies Won– Achievements– Awards– Also Read: Big brother, wonderful…
A beautiful dream will come to an end on June 6, says Sunil Chhetri
BHUBANESWAR: The journey that began in 2006 in the faraway city of Quetta in Pakistan, will finally come to an end in Kolkata on June 6, 2024, after an eventful 19…
Chembur United-Jupiter FC and GKW Ranger Ease Past in their Outing in MFA First Division
In an exhilarating showdown in the MFA First Division, Chembur United-Jupiter FC cruised past Companeroes SC with a comprehensive 4-0 victory, while GKW Rangers edged out MH Oranje FC with…
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…