Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Defending champions FC Goa advanced to the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Inter Kashi at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The Goan side displayed complete dominance throughout the match, sealing their spot in the final four in style.
The game began with high energy as FC Goa wasted no time in taking control. In just the fourth minute, a defensive slip by Inter Kashi allowed Goa to open the scoring. Abdul Rabeeh’s header from a Kashi throw-in went astray and reached defender David Humanes, who slipped due to the rain-soaked turf. Seizing the opportunity, local midfielder Muhammad Nemil passed the ball to Dejan Drazic, who calmly slotted it into the net to give Goa an early 1-0 lead.
After their strong start, Goa continued to dominate possession and attack the Kashi defence. Around the 30-minute mark, a failed clearance from Anil Chawan gave Drazic another chance. Showing great vision, he passed to Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera, who volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Shubham Dhas to double the lead. Herrera’s precise shot left no chance for the keeper and lifted the home crowd’s spirits.
As Inter Kashi struggled to find their rhythm, FC Goa pushed for a third goal. It came through a perfect long ball from David Timor. Herrera, already on the scoresheet, met the delivery with a strong header to make it 3-0. It was a classic display of direct football, and Goa’s superiority was unquestionable by that point.
While the attack grabbed headlines, Goa’s defence played a crucial role in maintaining the clean sheet. Central defenders Sandesh Jhingan and David Timor were rock-solid at the back, clearing every threat and keeping goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari untested for most of the game. Their leadership and communication made it nearly impossible for Inter Kashi to find a way through.
In the second half, Goa’s coach Manolo Marquez made strategic changes to manage energy and give chances to young talents. Iker Guarrotxena and Indian youngster Prachit Gaonkar were brought in, both testing Kashi’s goalkeeper Shubham Dhas with their attempts. Despite continued pressure, Dhas managed to deny a fourth goal, including a crucial save from Timor’s long-range effort.
Inter Kashi, on the other hand, found it difficult to create meaningful chances. Their forwards were effectively marked, and their midfield couldn’t handle Goa’s quick passing. The team’s defensive errors and lack of coordination proved costly, as they failed to recover after conceding the early goal.
With this win, FC Goa became the first team to qualify for the semifinals from their group. The result also meant that both NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC, who played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day, were eliminated from the race.
In the earlier game, NorthEast United started brightly, scoring through Chema Nunez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie. However, Jamshedpur fought back with goals from Pronay Halder and Raphael Messi Bouli. Despite an entertaining contest at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, both teams’ hopes ended with Goa’s dominant victory later in the evening.
The Goan side will now prepare for the semifinals with great confidence, having displayed strength in both attack and defence. With players like Herrera, Drazic, and Jhingan in fine form, Goa are among the favourites to retain the Super Cup title.
English
