FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.
The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.
NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.
Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.
Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.
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NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.
Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.
As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.
FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.
Published on Apr 24, 2026