Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa became the first team to reach the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semi-finals after a commanding 3–0 victory over Inter Kashi FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.
The Gaurs, dominant from start to finish, sealed their second straight win in Group B to confirm top spot with one match to spare. Goals from Dejan Drazic and a first-half brace by Borja Herrera powered Goa to an emphatic win that showcased their attacking precision, tactical control, and defensive stability. For debutants Inter Kashi, the night served as a harsh reminder of the gap between the Indian Super League’s established giants and the new entrants still finding their rhythm at this level.
From the opening whistle, FC Goa looked a side in complete control. The home team’s intent was clear high press, quick transitions, and early pressure on the Kashi backline. That strategy bore fruit almost instantly.
In just the third minute, Inter Kashi attempted a throw-in near their defensive third, but a miscommunication and a slip from one of their centre-backs handed Goa possession. Youngster Ayush Chhetri Nemil, quick to pounce on the loose ball, squared it unselfishly to Dejan Drazic, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Shubham Roy.
The early goal set the tone for the evening. The Gaurs’ midfield trio led by Carl McHugh, Raynier Fernandes, and Borja Herrera dictated the tempo, while wingers Noah Sadaoui and Nemil stretched the Kashi defence wide, forcing errors. Goa could have doubled their lead inside 20 minutes when Sadaoui broke free on the left, but his curling effort went narrowly over. Inter Kashi’s struggles were evident misplaced passes, slow transitions, and a lack of cohesion in the final third.
Borja Herrera Turns the Game into a Rout
The floodgates opened in the 37th minute through a moment of brilliance from Borja Herrera, who was at the heart of everything creative for Goa. Collecting a pass just outside the box, the Spaniard cut inside on his left foot and fired a low shot that skidded past Shubham, doubling Goa’s lead and sending the Fatorda crowd into raptures. Barely four minutes later, Herrera struck again. A pinpoint cross from left-back Jay Gupta found Borja arriving late into the box. His timing was impeccable a glancing header into the far corner that left the Kashi keeper stranded.
At 3–0 by the 41st minute, the match was all but decided. Goa entered halftime cruising, with near-total control in possession (68%) and eight attempts on target compared to Inter Kashi’s one.
Inter Kashi, who had drawn 2–2 with NorthEast United in their opening match, entered the second half hoping to salvage pride. However, their attempts to press higher only created more gaps for Goa to exploit. Striker Matija Babovic, who had scored in the previous game, found little service. Every forward move from Kashi was quickly intercepted by Goa’s disciplined backline, marshalled expertly by Odei Onaindia and Jay Gupta.
The midfield battle, too, was one-sided. Goa’s pressing triangles smothered Kashi’s attempts to play out from the back. Midfielder Aritra Das, one of Kashi’s bright spots earlier in the tournament, was largely anonymous under constant pressure. By the 60th minute, Goa began to rotate Udanta Singh and Brison Fernandes came on to maintain tempo, while Marquez signalled for more control rather than additional goals. Even so, the Goan attack didn’t relent.
At the 70-minute mark, the score remained 3–0, but the hosts looked intent on adding more. Only some last-ditch defending and a couple of good saves from Shubham prevented further damage. The closing stages were largely procedural, with FC Goa managing possession and conserving energy for the semi-finals. The final whistle confirmed their passage as the first team into the final four, having now scored five goals in two matches without conceding once.
Marquez’s men will now face NorthEast United FC in their final group fixture, though qualification is already secure. The match could, however, serve as a preview of the tournament’s later stages both sides have looked among the sharpest in the Super Cup so far. For Inter Kashi, the defeat leaves them on a single point from two games. The newcomers showed spirit but were outclassed technically and tactically by a far more settled outfit. Their next and final group-stage match against Jamshedpur FC will be about restoring pride and gaining experience against top-tier opposition.
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While Drazic’s opener set the tone, the night belonged to Borja Herrera. The Spaniard’s double was a masterclass in timing and movement the first, a piece of individual flair; the second, a perfect demonstration of awareness inside the box. Herrera’s leadership and tactical intelligence have made him central to Marquez’s system, and his two goals on Wednesday were accompanied by a passing accuracy of 89% and five recoveries numbers that underline his all-round influence.
Tactical Takeaways
- High Press Efficiency: Goa’s early pressing disrupted Inter Kashi’s buildup repeatedly, creating turnovers that directly led to scoring chances.
- Transition Speed: The speed of passing from defence to attack particularly through Raynier and Borja exposed Kashi’s slow defensive shape.
- Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in as many games reflect Marquez’s focus on structure. Goa’s backline never looked threatened, with Albino Gomes rarely called into serious action.
Final Score: FC Goa 3–0 Inter Kashi FC
Goals: Dejan Drazic (3’), Borja Herrera (37’, 41’)
Player of the Match: Borja Herrera (FC Goa)
Next Fixtures:
- FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC – November 1, 2025
- Inter Kashi FC vs Jamshedpur FC – November 1, 2025
A confident, professional FC Goa march on as genuine title contenders blending tactical precision with attacking flair. If they sustain this rhythm, the Gaurs may not just be chasing a semi-final berth, but the AIFF Super Cup crown itself.
