Gaurs slay Super Giants 3-1 to enter final; JFC beat MUFC 1-0
Panaji: FC Goa booked their spot in the Kalinga Super Cup final with a commanding 3-1 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, with goals from Brison Fernandes, Iker Guarrotxena, and Borja Herrera sealing the deal for the Gaurs.
Manolo Márquez’s side dominated large spells of the match and were good value for the win, turning on the style in the second half after a 1-1 deadlock at the break.
The Gaurs flew out of the blocks with an aggressive, high-pressing game that put Bastab Roy’s youthful Bagan side under early pressure. The opening goal arrived in the 20th minute from a clever set-piece routine, with Borja Herrera whipping in a teasing delivery from a short corner that Brison Fernandes deftly glanced into the far corner.
However, Mohun Bagan hit back almost immediately. Ashique Kuruniyan burned past Boris Singh on the byline and squared a low cross for Suhail Bhat, who made no mistake from close range—his second goal in as many matches.
FC Goa upped the ante in the second half and nearly reclaimed the lead when Brison Fernandes carved open the defence with a surging run and precise pass to Dejan Drazic, who dragged his shot wide. Moments later, Drazic was fouled inside the box by a reckless Dheeraj Singh challenge, handing FC Goa a penalty. Iker Guarrotxena stepped up and calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 2-1.
The third came shortly after in the 58th minute when Borja Herrera’s in-swinging corner caught Dheeraj in no-man’s land and flew directly into the net. The Spaniard had been a threat all evening and got his reward in style.
Mohun Bagan’s best chance to get back into the game came when Salahudheen was sent through one-on-one, rounded Arshdeep Singh, but delayed his shot, allowing a last-ditch clearance on the goal line.
Gaurs managed the remainder of the game with composure and control, nearly adding a fourth late on but choosing pragmatism over flair as they saw out a statement victory.
Borja Herrera was awarded the Kalinga Player of the Match by Deepankar Mohapatra.
