FC Goa returned to winning ways with a clinical second-half performance, defeating Odisha FC 3-1 at the PJN Stadium in the Indian Super League 2025-26. Goals from Dejan Dražić, Pol Moreno, and Brison Fernandes ensured all three points for the Gaurs, while Suhair VP scored a late consolation for the visitors.
The result sees FC Goa climb to fifth in the standings with 13 points, stabilising their campaign after a string of draws and a recent defeat. Odisha FC, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistency, slipping to 12th with five points. Midfielder Ayush Chhetri, who played a pivotal role in controlling the tempo and initiating attacking transitions, was named Player of the Match.
Cautious first half with limited breakthroughs
The opening 45 minutes were characterised by controlled possession and structured defensive setups from both sides. Neither team committed heavily in transition, resulting in a low-risk, tactical first half where clear-cut chances were at a premium.
Odisha FC looked the more threatening side early on, with Rahul KP providing width and testing the Goa backline with his pace and direct running. He registered a couple of attempts, including one that forced a composed save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson Raj, who was handed his first start by FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez.
Goa, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm in the final third. Their attacking movements were repeatedly halted by offside calls, highlighting a lack of coordination in timing forward runs. Udanta Singh came closest for the hosts, driving into the box and testing Amrinder Singh at the near post, but the Odisha goalkeeper was alert.
Set-pieces offered glimpses of opportunity. Pol Moreno’s header was comfortably collected, while Subham Bhattacharya’s effort drifted narrowly wide. However, both teams lacked the cutting edge required to break the deadlock, and the half concluded goalless.
Momentum shift after the restart
The second half saw a marked increase in intensity, with Odisha FC initially appearing more proactive. Rahim Ali’s movement created space in the attacking third, allowing Isak Vanlalruatfela a clear sight of goal. However, Bob Jackson produced a crucial save, a moment that proved to be a turning point in the contest.
Photo: Shibu Preman / Focus Sports / ISL
In the 62nd minute, Ayush Chhetri delivered a well-weighted ball over the Odisha defensive line, finding Dejan Dražić inside the box. A sliding intervention from Carlos Delgado inadvertently redirected the ball back into Dražić’s path. The forward reacted quickly, maintaining composure to slot past Amrinder Singh and give Goa the lead.
The goal shifted the tactical balance. Goa grew in confidence, pushing higher up the pitch and increasing the tempo of their attacking sequences. Odisha, meanwhile, began to lose defensive compactness, particularly in transition phases.
Set-piece precision doubles the advantage
As the game progressed, Goa continued to apply pressure, with substitute Abdul Rabeeh adding dynamism to the attack. His movement and link-up play stretched Odisha’s defensive shape, creating additional spaces in the final third.
The second goal arrived in the 81st minute, stemming from a set-piece situation. Pol Moreno, stepping up from distance, executed a low-driven free-kick that travelled through the defensive wall. The ball skidded off the surface and bounced awkwardly, evading Amrinder’s reach before settling into the bottom corner.
The goal effectively put the contest beyond Odisha’s reach, reflecting Goa’s improved efficiency in key moments.
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FC Goa added a third goal in stoppage time after Abdul Rabeeh was brought down inside the penalty area. Brison Fernandes stepped up and converted confidently, placing his shot into the left corner to make it 3-0.
Odisha FC managed to respond almost immediately, as Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right flank. Suhair VP met it at close range, finishing clinically to reduce the deficit to 3-1. However, the goal served only as a late consolation, with the outcome already decided. The match highlighted a clear contrast in execution between the two halves. While the first half was evenly balanced, FC Goa’s ability to convert opportunities after the restart proved decisive.
Ayush Chhetri’s role in midfield was central to this shift. His passing range and positional awareness enabled Goa to transition more effectively, particularly in the build-up to the opening goal. Additionally, the introduction of Rabeeh added verticality and unpredictability, stretching Odisha’s defensive structure.
For Odisha FC, the performance once again underscored issues in both defensive organisation and chance conversion. Despite creating promising situations, particularly early in the second half, they failed to capitalise and were subsequently punished.
For FC Goa, this victory represents a stabilising moment in their campaign. Moving to 13 points, they remain within reach of the upper tier of the table, though consistency will be key in the final stretch of the season. Odisha FC, on the other hand, face mounting pressure. With just five points and recurring defensive lapses, they will need to address structural issues quickly to avoid falling further behind.
Ultimately, the difference lay in efficiency. Goa were sharper in decisive moments, translating control into goals a quality that continues to separate contenders from the chasing pack in the ISL.
