- FC Goa 1 (Dejan Dražić 84’ pen)
- Inter Kashi 1 (Prasanth Karuthadathkuni 45+2’)
Goa, February 14, 2026 — ISL debutants Inter Kashi announced their arrival in India’s top flight with a disciplined 1-1 draw against AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda. In only their second-ever Indian Super League fixture, the newcomers displayed tactical organisation and resilience to earn their first point in the 2025-26 season.
Despite dominating possession and generating the clearer opportunities, FC Goa were forced to settle for a draw after falling behind just before halftime. Prasanth Karuthadathkuni gave Inter Kashi the lead in stoppage time of the first half, before Dejan Dražić equalised from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. Dražić was later named Player of the Match.
High Tempo Start, Tactical Discipline
The contest opened at a brisk pace, with both sides looking to impose themselves early. Inter Kashi showed no signs of intimidation, pressing aggressively and threatening from set-pieces. Alfred Planas tested Goa’s goalkeeper early on, while Rohit Danu’s effort from a dead-ball situation forced a save before Narender Gahlot’s follow-up was blocked in the crowded six-yard area.
FC Goa gradually began to assert control, circulating possession through midfield and attempting to stretch the visitors via the flanks. Brison Fernandes forced a sharp intervention from Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés, while Muhammed Nemil came closest in the 34th minute with a left-footed strike from inside the area that Tarrés tipped over acrobatically.
Goa’s territorial dominance, however, did not translate into goals.
Kashi Strike Before the Break
Just as the first half appeared destined to end goalless, Inter Kashi delivered a clinical blow. Deep into added time, Tomba Singh threaded a precise pass through the Goa backline. Prasanth Karuthadathkuni timed his run perfectly and applied a composed left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner.
The goal, arriving at 45+2’, stunned the home crowd and rewarded Inter Kashi’s disciplined structure and willingness to absorb pressure before striking on the counter.
Goa Respond, Pressure Builds
FC Goa returned from the interval with greater urgency, pushing their fullbacks higher and committing more bodies into the final third. Udanta Singh attempted a long-range effort near the hour mark, while Nemil and Fernandes probed centrally.
Sandesh Jhingan rose highest from a set-piece but headed wide, and Dražić missed narrowly as Goa intensified their attacks. Tarrés remained a commanding presence between the posts, denying Dražić again in the 75th minute with a sharp save from a tight angle.
Inter Kashi’s backline, marshalled with discipline, held firm despite sustained waves of pressure.
Turning Point: Red Card and Penalty
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute. Muhammed Nemil burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Tarrés in what was deemed a last-man challenge. The referee pointed to the spot and showed Tarrés a red card, reducing Inter Kashi to ten men.
Substitute goalkeeper Shubham Dhas entered immediately, but Dražić remained composed. The Serbian calmly slotted his penalty into the bottom-left corner in the 84th minute, levelling the score at 1-1.
With a numerical advantage and momentum on their side, FC Goa threw everything forward in search of a winner.
Kashi Hold Their Nerve
The final ten minutes saw relentless pressure from the hosts. Pol Moreno’s close-range header in added time was saved brilliantly by Dhas, who made an instant impact off the bench. Raynier Fernandes also came close but failed to keep his header down as Goa chased a late breakthrough.
Inter Kashi, however, maintained their compact shape, defending in numbers and closing spaces intelligently. Despite being a man down, they resisted until the final whistle to secure a valuable point.
A Statement Performance
For FC Goa, the result will feel like two points dropped given their dominance in possession and chances created. However, for Inter Kashi, this was more than a draw — it was a statement of intent.
The newcomers demonstrated tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and composure under pressure against one of the league’s most technically proficient sides. Scoring their first ISL goal and earning their first ISL point against the Super Cup champions underlines their readiness for top-tier competition.
As the season unfolds, this performance may well be remembered as the foundation of Inter Kashi’s ISL journey — built on structure, belief, and the ability to endure when it matters most.
