NT Reporter
Panaji
FC Goa clinched their first win of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season as they defeated Mohammedan SC 2-0 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Friday.
Goals from Moreno and Dejan Drazic inside the opening half-hour ensured the Gaurs left Kolkata with three points and their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Goa needed just five minutes to stamp their authority. Drazic whipped in a teasing cross from the flank and centre-back Moreno rose highest to power a header beyond Subhajit, giving the visitors a dream start.
The early breakthrough set the tone. Brison threatened soon after, while Drazic himself dragged an effort wide as Goa dominated possession and territory. Mohammedan struggled to string meaningful attacks together, with Ayush Chhetri picking up a booking as frustration crept in.
The second goal arrived in the 31st minute and showcased Goa’s attacking sharpness. A delicate lobbed pass from Nemil split the defence and released Udanta through on goal. As Subhajit rushed out, Udanta was brought down inside the box, leaving the referee with little hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Drazic stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty into the corner, doubling the advantage and putting the Gaurs firmly in control. Goa could have put the contest beyond doubt before the interval. Nemil blazed over from close range after good work from Udanta, while Manolo Marquez cut a visibly frustrated figure on the sidelines as chances went begging. Still, the visitors went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Mohammedan made three changes at half-time and showed more urgency after the restart. Hrithik was called into action in the 73rd minute, producing a sharp save from Mahitosh at point-blank range after Lalthankima’s clever cutback. Moments later, Makan Chothe skied the rebound, summing up a frustrating night for the hosts.
Goa continued to create openings of their own. Drazic dazzled with a weaving run before being brought down by the Mohammedan skipper, while Moreno headed over from a late corner. Substitute Boris also squandered a golden opportunity in the closing stages, blasting over from inside the box after good work from Daniel and Yasir.
Despite easing off the tempo late on, Goa never looked in danger of surrendering their lead. The final whistle confirmed a deserved victory.
