FC Goa claimed a comfortable 2–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting

Image Credit: AIFF

FC Goa registered their first win of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season with a composed 2–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Kishore Bharti Krirangan on Friday evening. Early goals in the first half sealed the contest as the Gaurs climbed provisionally to the top of the table with four points from two matches. For Mohammedan, it remains a frustrating start, still searching for their first goal of the campaign.

Goa wasted no time in stamping their authority. In just the fourth minute, Dejan Dražić swung in a teasing corner that found Pol Moreno unmarked inside the box. The defender rose above the static defence and powered his header past Subhajit Bhattacharjee, leaving the home side stunned.

The visitors nearly doubled the lead soon after. Boris Singh’s delivery from the right located Brison Fernandes, who connected with a diving header that beat the goalkeeper but crashed off the upright. Goa’s midfield control was evident. They dictated the tempo, recycled possession with confidence and forced Mohammedan to chase shadows for long stretches.

The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Udanta Singh burst into the box and was brought down by Bhattacharjee. Dražić stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. At 2–0, Goa looked comfortable and assured, moving the ball with purpose and pressing intelligently whenever possession was lost.

Mohammedan coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo responded at half-time with three changes, introducing Md. Fardin Ali Molla, Makan Winkle Chothe and Lalngaihsaka to inject urgency. The hosts showed more energy after the restart but struggled to test Hrithik Tiwari in the Goa goal.

Goa, meanwhile, continued to create chances. Muhammed Nemil danced past defenders and picked out Udanta at the far post, only for Sajad Hussain Parray to produce a crucial block. Moreno remained a threat from set pieces, while Nemil forced a sharp save with a well-placed header. Brison Fernandes also had a sight of goal but failed to keep his effort down.

Mohammedan’s best opportunity came in the 72nd minute. A clever backheel from Fardin Ali Molla released Lalthankima down the left. After beating Sandesh Jhingan, the winger cut the ball back for Mahitosh Roy, whose close-range attempt was brilliantly saved by Tiwari. The rebound fell kindly for Makan Winkle Chothe, but from six yards out he blazed over the crossbar. It summed up Mohammedan’s evening.

Both sides threatened in the closing stages without altering the scoreline. Boris Singh fired over for Goa, while Fardin Ali Molla could not apply the finishing touch under pressure at the other end.

Pol Moreno, solid at the back and decisive in attack, was deservedly named Player of the Match.

For FC Goa, this was a statement performance. Controlled, clinical and composed. For Mohammedan Sporting, the wait for that first goal continues. In Kolkata, the visitors dictated the script. And they walked away with all three points.