ISL 2024-25: FC Goa solidifies grip over second-place with 1-0 win against Punjab FC

ISL 2024-25: FC Goa solidifies grip over second-place with 1-0 win against Punjab FC

FC Goa secured a 1-0 victory against Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Thursday.

The Gaurs moved to 45 points in 22 games as a consequence of this win, solidifying its grip over the second spot, which could guarantee them a straight semi-final berth. It is now ahead of the third and fourth placed Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC respectively by eight points each, though the latter has three games in hand to cut that deficit.

FC Goa stepped in with intent, displaying fluidity in its gameplay both from open sequences and set-pieces. After creating several chances, Carl McHugh was finally successful in finding the back of the net at the brink of the conclusion of the first essay.

Udanta Singh delivered a long throw-in for the Irish midfielder, who was looking to break into the Shers box with a quick sprint. McHugh met the delivery properly, drilling the ball into the bottom left corner with his left foot to get the Gaurs a goal ahead going into the half-time break.

In the opening 15 minutes of the second half, Punjab FC sparked in a small phase. It embraced a slightly direct approach and Ricky Shabong embodied that in the 57th minute with a long-range effort from a throw in that goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari rushed ahead and saved calmly before it could trigger any jitters inside the FC Goa defensive third.

Punjab FC kept pressing for the equaliser right until the end, as in the 87th minute mark it had Ninthoinganba Meetei and Khaiminthang Lhungdim near to the goal. Lhungdim’s left footed shot zoomed high and wide to the left, culminating a night of missed chances for the home side.

Punjab FC is at the 11th place with 24 points from 22 encounters.

Published on Feb 27, 2025