They take on Inter Kashi as the Indian Super League kicks off today
Fatorda: FC Goa will look to kick off their Indian Super League campaign on a positive note when they face Inter Kashi, coached by Antonio Habas, at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
Inter Kashi arrive in Goa brimming with confidence after being crowned champions of the I-League 2024-25 season, earning promotion.
The upcoming season marks an unusual chapter in Indian football, with the league starting nearly four months behind schedule and being conducted in a truncated format. With just 14 teams and a compressed calendar, the organizers, All India Football Federation have opted for a single round-robin system, scrapping the second leg and the traditional playoffs.
As a result, teams will play only 13 matches over a three-month period, with the side finishing top of the table being crowned champions — a format that leaves little room for error.
FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari admitted that the prolonged break made preparations challenging, especially with limited competitive action over the past year.
“The last 10 months were difficult because the ISL was not happening. It was hard for all of us. We were playing in the AFC competitions, but that was only one game every month. Training regularly without matches was tough. Now that the ISL is starting again, it is very good for us,” Tiwari said.
Head coach Manolo Marquez stressed that FC Goa’s focus remains firmly on immediate results, rather than long-term calculations.
“The target is to win the first game. We need to go game by game. It is a strange season — only 13 games. The champion is champion, the last team is relegated, and there are 11 teams in the middle,” Marquez explained.
The Spaniard also pointed out that the shortened format could create uncertainty for several clubs.
“In the middle of the competition, maybe four or five teams cannot become champions, and it is also difficult for them to be relegated. There are no playoffs. But for us, it is a good chance,” he added.
Marquez highlighted that continental qualification remains a key incentive. “Even the Shield winner will get the same as us — entry into the preliminary round of the Champions League. But we want to compete very well,” he said.
With a squad featuring a strong Indian core complemented by experienced foreign recruits, Marquez believes FC Goa are well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
“We want to improve every game. I am happy to work with many Indian players, and with the experience of Pol and Dejan. They will help us a lot. It is a nice challenge. Now we are focused only on the first game,” he signed off.
