FC Goa staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, extending their home winning streak in the ISL 2024-25 season. The win marked their second consecutive home triumph, adding to their momentum as they aim to challenge for the top spots in the league.
The match started with Punjab FC taking an early lead in the 13th minute. Asmir Suljic, in fine form, netted for the second game in a row, following a well-executed cross from Nihal Sudheesh. Sudheesh had outpaced FC Goa’s Boris Singh on the left wing, delivering a precise cross that allowed Suljic to slot the ball past goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. The clever dummy by Luka Majcen left FC Goa's defenders flat-footed, allowing Suljic to give Punjab FC the lead, sending their fans into celebration.
However, FC Goa responded quickly and began to apply pressure on Punjab’s defence. The home side rallied with intensity, driven by the energy of the crowd, and found their equaliser in the 22nd minute. A clever link-up between Ayush Chhetri and Sahil Tavora set up Iker Guarrotxena, who played a perfectly timed pass to Armando Sadiku. Sadiku showed great composure, calmly beating Punjab’s defence and finishing past goalkeeper Ravi Kumar. This goal extended Sadiku's incredible scoring streak to seven consecutive ISL games, joining the ranks of Kalu Uche and Alaaeddine Ajaraie as the only players to achieve such a feat.
With the score level at 1-1, both teams exchanged chances in a captivating first half. But it was FC Goa who came out the stronger side after the break, capitalising on an early opportunity to complete the comeback. Just four minutes into the second half, FC Goa’s swift counter-attack saw Guarrotxena find himself in a promising position. The midfielder made no mistake, finishing with precision to give FC Goa a 2-1 lead.
Punjab FC's manager, Panagiotis Dilmperis, responded with tactical changes, bringing on Mushaga Bakenga to bolster the attack. Despite their efforts to find an equaliser, Punjab FC struggled to break down FC Goa’s resolute defence. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari played a pivotal role in preserving the lead, making crucial interventions to keep Punjab’s attacking threats at bay.
Iker Guarrotxena was the standout performer for FC Goa, not only scoring the decisive goal but also playing a key role in both goals, showcasing his vision and passing ability. His disciplined performance in midfield, completing 21 of his 30 passes, further solidified his importance to the team.
Despite Punjab FC’s relentless pursuit of an equaliser, FC Goa’s defence held strong, and the home side secured a well-deserved 2-1 win, extending their unbeaten home run. This victory brings FC Goa closer to the top of the table, while Punjab FC will need to regroup after a disappointing loss. The match was a testament to FC Goa’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
