24 February 2025

FC Goa Registers Inaugural ISL Victory with a 1-0 Triumph Over Punjab FC, Courtesy of Carlos Martinez’s Early Goal

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Image source: InsideSport

FC Goa secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Indian Super League (ISL) newcomers Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Monday, thanks to a 17th-minute goal by their Spanish acquisition, Carlos Martinez

Manolo Marquez’s side made 18 attempts on goal during the match, but most of them failed to find their mark.

The opening 15 minutes saw Martinez in a relatively passive role. However, in the 17th minute, he seized an opportunity to score.

The move began with Carl McHugh winning possession and playing a short pass to Raynier Fernandes. The 27-year-old displayed excellent control with his first touch, setting up a quick through ball for Martinez, who was on the move and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner with the outside of his right foot.

FC Goa came close to doubling their lead within five minutes of that strike. Noah Wail Sadaoui was the sole forward player for the team, hovering around Punjab FC’s defensive line. The Moroccan attacking midfielder anticipated a long ball, sprinted to collect it, and steered it towards the inside channel of the left flank. Despite his firm shot at goal, it landed on the wrong side of the net.

Punjab’s captain, Luka Majcen, nearly found the equalizer in the 65th minute. Second-half substitute Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, who made an impact from the right flank, spotted a considerable amount of open space. His cross was fumbled by FC Goa’s goalkeeper, Arshdeep Singh and Majcen capitalized on the rebound. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside position. The Gaurs successfully maintained their lead and secured a victory in their opening fixture of the ISL 2023-24 season.

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Athul Suresh
Athul SureshNews Writer
Athul Suresh is a journalism graduate currently enrolled in a Post Graduate program. Additionally, he works as a tutor, specializing in instructing SSC CGL students.

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