FC Goa reached the top of the points table after Sunday’s match against Odisha FC. The home team won the match with a score of 3-0. Ferran Corominas scored two goals and Brandon Fernandes scored one goal for Goa.
Goa started the match with aggression and energy, almost taking an early lead, only to see Hugo Boumous’ goal-bound shot miss the target by inches after taking a deflection off Diawandou Diagne.
However, in the 19th minute, Corominas scored the first goal of the game, after Brandon robbed Jerry Mawihmingthanga of the ball in his own half. Shortly after scoring their first goal, FC Goa were forced to make a substitution as Jackichand could not continue due to an ankle injury.
Odisha got their first sight of goal when Aridane Santana spotted a run by Guedes and squeezed in a superb through ball for him. But a poor first touch meant that Guedes couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity.
Odisha FC coach Gombau made two substitutions at the break, bringing Xisco and Gaurav Bora off the bench. The third substitution came at the 49th minute with Jerry coming off after a strong challenge from Mourtada.
Odisha went close to scoring an equalizer in the 59th minute when Das’ inch-perfect cross was headed towards goal by Xisco, but an alert Mohammad Nawaz pulled off a brilliant save to keep the scoreline unchanged. At the other end, Arshdeep Singh did well to stop Doungel’s attempt from point-blank range.
But ultimately, two goals in quick succession from Brandon and Corominas in the last five minutes of the game meant that Goa cruised to a well-deserved victory. As things stand, Odisha is sitting at the seventh position of the league table with 9 points.