FC Goa delivered a dominant home performance at Fatorda Stadium, beating Odisha FC 3-1 in a pulsating ISL 2024-25 encounter. The Gaurs controlled the second half completely.
After a goalless first half, the Gaurs burst out of the blocks in the second period. Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno, and Brison Fernandes all found the net to seal a comfortable three-point victory.
Odisha FC had more possession at 55 percent but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. VP Suhair scored a consolation strike deep in added time to make the scoreline 3-1.
Starting Lineups (4-2-3-1)
The players from both teams in the match are as follows.
FC Goa Starting XI
GK: B. Jackson Raj | DEF: A. Sangwan, B. Singh Thangjam, S. Jhingan, P. Moreno | MID: H. Patre, A. Chhetri, M. Nemil, D. Drazic, U. Singh | FWD: M. Yasir (formation: 4-2-3-1).
Odisha FC Starting XI
GK: A. Singh | DEF: S. Bhattacharya, C. Delgado, T. Moirangthem, V. Chhakchhuak | MID: R. Kumar, L. Khawlhring, I. Vanlalruatfela, K. Lalrinfela, Rahul KP | FWD: R. Ali (formation: 4-2-3-1).
FC Goa Substitutes Used
Brison Fernandes, Raynier Fernandes, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Abdul Rabeeh came on for Goa. Unused: Sahil Tavora, Prachit Vishwas, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Hrithik Tiwari.
Odisha FC Substitutes Used
VP Suhair, Narendra Naik, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Kartik Hantal, Kojam Beyong all came on for Odisha. Unused subs: Saurabh Bhanwala, Hitesh Sharma, Anuj Kumar, Ashangbam Aphooba Singh.
Full Team Statistics
The full match statistics are as follows:
| Stat | FC Goa | Odisha FC |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 9 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Fouls | 14 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 6 | 2 |
| Corners | 4 | 3 |
First Half: Tight and Disciplined Affair
The first half began as a tight and disciplined contest, with both sides cautious in their approach. Neither team allowed many clear chances, keeping the tempo controlled and structured early on.
In the 26th minute, Odisha defender Thoiba Singh Moirangthem received a yellow card for a reckless challenge. The foul-handed Goa had a promising set-piece opportunity but failed to shift momentum significantly.
Odisha made an early tactical adjustment in the 34th minute, bringing on striker VP Suhair in place of Rahul KP. The change aimed to inject more attacking intent into their forward play.
Goa’s Harsh Patre was booked in the 39th minute, adding tension to an already competitive half. Despite decent possession from Odisha, both teams went into halftime locked at 0-0.
Goa Take Control After the Break
FC Goa made two key changes at halftime, introducing Brison Fernandes and Raynier Fernandes to boost their attack. The substitutions immediately added energy and attacking intent to their gameplay.
In the 55th minute, Aakash Sangwan received a yellow card, but Goa maintained their aggressive momentum. Their pressing game intensified, keeping Odisha pinned back and struggling to regain control.
A crucial tactical shift came in the 62nd minute as Daniel Lalhlimpuia replaced Boris Singh. The move paid off instantly when Dejan Drazic scored, confidently breaking the deadlock for Goa.
Goa continued attacking relentlessly, bringing on Abdul Rabeeh soon after the goal. Their dominance grew stronger as Odisha struggled to respond, with the home side firmly controlling the match tempo.
Goa Seal Victory Despite Late Odisha Response
Odisha attempted to fight back with multiple substitutions around the 73rd minute, introducing fresh players. However, their attacking efforts lacked sharpness as Goa’s defense remained organized and composed.
Further changes followed for Odisha, signaling desperation as they chased the game. Goa, however, stayed disciplined, maintaining possession and dictating play while limiting any real threats from the opposition.
Pol Moreno doubled Goa’s lead in the 81st minute with a composed finish. Late in stoppage time, Brison Fernandes converted a penalty, extending the lead to 3-0 decisively.
Odisha managed a late consolation goal through VP Suhair in injury time. Despite that effort, Goa comfortably secured a 3-1 victory, showcasing dominance throughout the second half.
Goal Scorers at a Glance
All the goal scorers from the match are given in the table below:
| Minute | Player | Team | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62′ | Dejan Drazic | FC Goa | Open Play |
| 81′ | Pol Moreno | FC Goa | Open Play |
| 90+4′ | Brison Fernandes | FC Goa | Penalty |
| 90+7′ | VP Suhair | Odisha FC | Open Play |
Key Moments and Talking Points
Dejan Drazic was the catalyst who unlocked Odisha’s stubborn defense. His 62nd-minute goal sparked a devastating Goa attacking spell that produced three goals inside the final 30 minutes of the match.
Pol Moreno showed outstanding attacking instincts for a defender. His goal in the 81st minute stamped his authority and highlighted how Goa’s full-backs provide tremendous width and goal threat going forward.
Brison Fernandes was calm and clinical from the penalty spot in added time. Despite only coming on as a substitute in the 47th minute, he influenced the game massively and scored the decisive third goal.
Odisha had 55 percent possession but failed to convert it into goals until deep injury time. VP Suhair’s consolation was too little, too late as Goa’s defensive unit stood firm throughout the second period.
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Conclusion: FC Goa Delivers a Statement Win
FC Goa’s 3-1 victory over Odisha FC sends a strong message to ISL title rivals. Manuel Marquez’s men showed tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and defensive solidity in a genuinely impressive home performance.
Odisha FC will be disappointed with how the game slipped away after half-time. T G Purushothaman’s side made multiple substitutions but never really threatened until VP Suhair’s late consolation goal.
For FC Goa fans, this was everything they wanted. A big win at Fatorda Stadium, great goals, and a commanding display. The Gaurs look like serious ISL contenders and will carry huge confidence moving forward.
