FC Goa will look to continue their upward trajectory in the Indian Super League, ISL 2025-26 season when they host Sporting Club Delhi in Match 15 at the PJN Stadium in Margao on Thursday, February 26.
Scheduled for a 19:30 IST kick-off, the fixture presents an opportunity for the Gaurs to register their second consecutive victory of the campaign and build early-season momentum in front of their home supporters.
After beginning their season with a 1-1 draw against ISL debutants Inter Kashi, FC Goa responded strongly with a composed 2-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata. That result marked their first win of the season and provided a timely boost as they now return to familiar surroundings at Fatorda aiming to establish consistency in performances.
Head coach Manolo Márquez acknowledged the challenges posed by SC Delhi, emphasising the importance of maintaining focus regardless of recent results.
“It won’t be an easy game. They had chances in both matches they played. We need to forget statistics when we enter the pitch. If we don’t play well, we will have problems,” Márquez said ahead of the encounter.
Midfielder Ayush Chhetri, who has grown into a dependable presence in the FC Goa midfield, reflected on his development and the influence of experienced teammates over the past few seasons.
“I played the last three years with foreign players and learned a lot from them. I’m using that experience this season. Now I’m trying to apply those lessons and take more responsibility on the pitch,” he noted.
Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, enter the fixture still searching for their first points of the season after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. They began their campaign with a 0-2 loss to Bengaluru FC and followed it up with a 1-4 defeat against East Bengal, despite taking an early lead in the latter contest.
Under head coach Tomasz Tchórz, the young Delhi side have shown glimpses of attacking intent and a willingness to adopt a structured approach to possession-based football. While results have not gone their way so far, the team’s performances have indicated a clear effort to establish a distinct playing identity.
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Speaking about the challenge of facing FC Goa away from home, Tchórz highlighted the tactical discipline of the hosts.
“Goa are always difficult opponents defensively. They are very compact and at Fatorda, they make the field very small to block access between the lines. Of course, we have ideas on how to break their lines and attack the space behind. We have studied the game carefully and will prepare in the best possible way,” he stated.
Despite conceding six goals across their first two matches, the Delhi camp remains focused on long-term development and cohesion.
“We are a new team, and building chemistry takes time. Yes, we conceded goals, but this is part of the process. We are working hard to become more compact, more aggressive in attacking spaces, and better in communication. I am confident that with patience and belief, the results will come,” Tchórz added.
Forward Alan Saji also spoke about his personal journey leading into the match, particularly after returning from injury.
“After my injury last year, it was difficult to stay away from the game. Getting my ISL debut and minutes on the pitch means a lot to me. I am grateful for the trust from the coach, and I am focused on scoring goals and helping the team improve every match,” he said.
With FC Goa aiming to capitalise on home advantage and SC Delhi seeking to convert promise into tangible results, Thursday’s clash is expected to be a closely contested affair. While the hosts will look to dictate tempo and control proceedings, the visitors will hope to remain organised and exploit opportunities in transition as they search for their first points of the season.
