Under relentless rain at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, FC Goa showcased composure, control, and resilience to register a 2–0 win over Jamshedpur FC in their opening Group B encounter of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26. Goals from Javier Siverio (44’) and Dejan Drazic (65’) sealed the win for the Gaurs in a contest that was as much about adapting to the weather as it was about footballing craft.
This was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024–25 Super Cup final, which FC Goa won 3–0 to clinch their second title. The result reinforces the Gaurs’ dominance over Jamshedpur, while also propelling them to the top of Group B, ahead of NorthEast United and Inter Kashi, who drew earlier in the day.
The excitement in Margao was high despite the downpour that began hours before kickoff. Fans, armed with raincoats and umbrellas, packed the stands to witness a repeat of last season’s final. Both sides came in with renewed hopes FC Goa eager to start strong on home soil, and Jamshedpur keen to avenge last season’s defeat. The rain, however, had other ideas. As the teams lined up for kickoff, puddles formed across the pitch, making passing and ball control extremely difficult. Yet, referee A. John deemed conditions playable, and the action began at 7:30 p.m. sharp.
Cagey Start in Testing Conditions
The opening 20 minutes were defined by chaos and caution. Every pass seemed to have a mind of its own as the ball repeatedly stopped in patches of standing water. Both teams struggled to build rhythm, and long passes quickly became the preferred route. FC Goa’s Spanish playmaker Borja Ferrera tried to inject tempo with a few set-piece deliveries, while Pranoy Halder’s leadership was evident as he marshalled Jamshedpur’s midfield under pressure.
The first real chance arrived in the 33rd minute, when Goa earned a free-kick just outside the box after a foul on Carl McHugh. Borja stepped up but sent his effort narrowly over Albino Gomes’ crossbar a reminder that even in such conditions, the Gaurs were capable of creating danger.
Siverio Breaks the Deadlock
As the first half drew toward its conclusion, FC Goa finally found their breakthrough. In the 44th minute, Javier Siverio their Spanish striker with a knack for poaching goals capitalized on a defensive lapse. After a deflected cross from Brandon Fernandes, the ball fell perfectly for Siverio, who showed great composure to slot it home past a stranded Albino Gomes.
The timing was perfect. The goal not only gave FC Goa a deserved lead but also deflated Jamshedpur, who had fought hard just to keep possession on the slippery pitch. After two minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew for halftime with the hosts leading 1–0, as rain continued to lash down.
At halftime, the match officials temporarily halted proceedings, citing unsafe field conditions. The downpour intensified, turning Fatorda’s surface into a near pool. After nearly 15 minutes of inspection and draining work by ground staff, the second half was cleared to resume. Despite the soggy turf, both sides agreed to continue rather than push the match to a later date a decision met with applause from fans who had braved the weather all evening.
Drazic Doubles the Advantage
FC Goa began the second half much like they ended the first in control. Sandesh Jhingan and Jay Gupta marshalled the defence with authority, while Brandon and Borja orchestrated attacks in central zones.
Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute, when Dejan Drazic pounced on a rebound to make it 2–0. The goal came from a corner delivered by Borja, which Albino Gomes managed to punch only halfway out. The ball fell kindly to Drazic, who drilled it low into the corner despite the slippery surface. That strike effectively ended Jamshedpur’s hopes of a comeback. The Red Miners tried to respond with late substitutions, bringing on Nongdamba Naorem and Daniel Chukwu, but Goa’s defensive structure remained unshaken.
In the final 20 minutes, the Gaurs focused on retaining possession and managing the tempo. Their passing accuracy remarkable given the pitch condition allowed them to dictate play and limit Jamshedpur’s attacking opportunities. Five minutes of stoppage time were added, but neither team created a major chance. When the referee finally blew the whistle, it confirmed a professional, well-earned victory for FC Goa a win that showcased both technical quality and tactical maturity.
For FC Goa, this was an ideal start. Under head coach Manolo Marquez, the Gaurs have continued to evolve as a side that can adapt to adversity, maintain composure, and deliver under pressure. The performances of Siverio, Drazic, and Brandon Fernandes stood out, while the backline, led by Jhingan, kept a clean sheet with minimal fuss. Jamshedpur, on the other hand, will rue missed opportunities and an inability to cope with the conditions. Despite flashes of effort from Daniel Chima Chukwu and Imran Khan, their attack lacked coordination.
What’s Next in Group B
With this win, FC Goa sit atop Group B with three points and a +2 goal difference. NorthEast United and Inter Kashi, who drew 2–2 earlier in the day, share second place, while Jamshedpur FC find themselves at the bottom. The Gaurs will next face NorthEast United, while Jamshedpur will take on Inter Kashi in what could already be a must-win clash for the Red Miners.
Full-Time: FC Goa 2–0 Jamshedpur FC
Scorers: ⚽️ Javier Siverio (44’) ⚽️ Dejan Drazic (65’)
