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Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
HT Kick Off: 'Super' FC Goa's deserved a trophy
Dejan Dražić dragged Ashutosh Mehta out of position and found Aakash Sangwan with a first-time flick. And with that deft touch, Dražić had carved open Jamshedpur FC leading to the first goal of the Kalinga Super Cup final. It was Carl McHugh who had set the move going and it was fitting that the industrious Irishman would then help Dražić score with a pass that cut through two lines. So dominant were FC Goa that a national trophy after four seasons and a return to Asia were never in doubt in the last top tier match of 2024-25. It happened with a squad FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez said comprised friends rather than teammates. In the comeback against Punjab FC, equalising two minutes from time and finding a winner, FC Goa showed the character needed to thrive in a knockout tournament. In the way Borja Herrera scored the final's second, they showed class. This was hardly how a cup competition should be conducted but about this there was no doubt: FC Goa were the best team in it. FC Goa were less than two minutes from forcing extra-time in the ISL semi-final which, ironically, did not go that far because Dražić, who was otherwise superb that night against Bengaluru FC, played back when he could have done the opposite. Mohun Bagan Super Giant were an irresistible force – for them money is never a problem because of Mr Goenka, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, speaking as a guest at an East Bengal event – but with significantly less resource, FC Goa finished second 10 points ahead of the rest. ISL's numbers are skewed because Mohun Bagan and East Bengal arrived late and teams have wound up or relocated but that FC Goa have made the most play-offs (8 in 11 editions) and scored the most goals show they have been doing something right. Actually, they have been doing a lot of things right. Signing Zico, who didn't shirk from giving Indian players a run out, taking a punt on Anwar Ali even if it meant training people to use defibrillators, running Little Gaurs League where 1225 matches across age-groups from under-6 to under-16 for boys and girls were played this time (that ended with a Super Cup as well, one day after the final in Bhubaneswar), and starting an award in honour of Ferran Corominas, FC Goa's growth as an institution has been one of ISL's success stories. But, for me, the biggest success story is FC Goa's investment in youth. Their development team have won the Goa Professional League and the Goa Police Cup. Brison Fernandes, adjudged Emerging Player of 2024-25 in ISL and by AIFF, joined the club's under-16 squad in 2016 worked his way through age-specific sides and the development team, played in the state league, the Police Cup and is now an international. Muhammed Nemil is another young player in whom FC Goa invested, signing him from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs on a long-term deal and then sending him to Spain to train. This term, Prachit Gaonkar became the first FC Goa player to have played for all their youth teams (under-13, under-15, under-17, under-19) and the development squad before making his ISL debut. It is a story similar to Vinith Venkatesh at Bengaluru FC and appropriate for a club that made stars out of local players Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes. Appropriate also for a state, which according to Goa Football Association (GFA) president Caitano Fernandes, has 6800 registered players excluding those who play inter-village and other private tournaments. GFA organised 1400 matches this season, Fernandes has said in a letter to AIFF seeking clarification on how the federation rewarded state associations for promoting the game this season. Given the massive financial stress running a football team in India is, it is understandable that youth development would be given the short shrift. Finding players through trials just before an age-specific I-League is the usual route for most clubs. Especially because there simply aren't enough games available to justify building a team for the season. That is what makes FC Goa's attempt to create an organic pathway for player development commendable. It helps you understand why Marquez, the club's most successful coach ever with 37 wins in 61 matches over two seasons, says that in terms of organisation, FC Goa is the best club in India. And why he could leave the India job for another season or two at FC Goa.
United News of India
04-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
FC Goa strolls to Kalinga Super Cup title with 3-0 win over Jamshedpur FC
Bhubaneswar, May 4 (UNI) As the final whistle blew and rain kept pouring at the Kalinga Stadium, it was as though the heavens joined in to mark FC Goa's crowning moment. With the players singing and dancing in the rainstorm, the Gaurs lifted the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 in style, storming past Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in a commanding final performance on Saturday night. Borja Herrera led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Dejan Dražić added the finishing touch on a night that blended grit, glory, and a touch of cinematic flair. The victory marked FC Goa's first trophy under head coach Manolo Márquez, whose chapter at the club came to an end in the perfect manner. It was Goa's second Super Cup title overall, making them the first club to win the tournament twice. The result also secured their qualification for the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 as they will return to an Asian club competition after four years. The match was billed as a battle between FC Goa's attacking firepower and Jamshedpur's unbreached defence, yet by full-time, it was clear which side had stamped its authority. Jamshedpur, known for their compact shape and counter-attacking style, and having not conceded a single goal until the final, simply couldn't cope with Goa's expansive play. While Jamshedpur did show some early promise, Javier Hernández forcing a sharp save from Hrithik Tiwari in the third minute, the momentum quickly swung in Goa's favour. With Aakash Sangwan and Dejan Dražić tearing down the wings and Carl McHugh and Borja pulling the strings in midfield, Goa dominated both possession and territory. The opener arrived in the 23rd minute. Sangwan made a blistering run down the left and unleashed a powerful drive that Albino Gomes could only parry. Borja was first to the rebound — his first shot was blocked, but he coolly slotted the second into the roof of the net. Jamshedpur's best chance came late in the first half when Lazar Ćirković's header rattled the crossbar, but their lack of attacking thrust was evident throughout. FC Goa doubled their lead in the 51st minute with a moment of brilliance. Borja, picking the ball up near midfield, surged forward and unleashed a ferocious 25-yard strike that arrowed into the top corner, leaving Gomes helpless. Khalid Jamil's men tried to claw their way back, with Jordan Murray setting up Javier Siverio, but the forward blasted over from close range. The third and final goal came in the 71st minute and showcased Goa's poise and precision. McHugh dissected the defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, and Dražić latched on, rounded the keeper, and tapped home into an empty net. As the match wound down and rain began to fall, the mood turned celebratory as FC Goa's players danced to cap off a wonderful performance and embrace their moment in history. Borja was presented the Kalinga Player of the Match by Sonali Chand, Officer on Special Duty, Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha. UNI BM ARN
