Defending AIFF Super Cup champion FC Goa secured the first spot in the tournament's semifinals with a 3-0 victory over Inter Kashi in a Group B match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The Gaurs sealed their perfect record in the group with a game to spare, as the 2-2 draw earlier in the day between Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC eliminated both of those teams from contention. Ensuring FC Goa's passage to the final four.
FC Goa wasted no time, breaking the deadlock in the third minute. The goal borne from a defensive lapse was caused by a damp pitch, which led to Inter Kashi defender David Humanes slipping. Muhammad Nemil capitalized, quickly squaring the ball to Dejan Dražić, who struck it home.
The Gaurs doubled their lead after the half-hour mark when Dražić turned provider, setting up Borja Herrera to score on the half-volley in the 38th minute. Herrera struck again just four minutes later, heading in a long ball from David Timor to make it 3-0 before halftime.
FC Goa's defensive pairing of Sandesh Jhingan and David Timor ensured their goalkeeper, Hrithik Tiwari, was largely untroubled throughout the contest. Marshaling the defense, and neutralizing nearly every attempt by Inter Kashi to gain a foothold in the match. The debutants struggled to match Goa's pace and precision, with their midfield failing to connect and their forwards left isolated against the backline.
In the second half, FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez brought on Iker Guarrotxena and promising Indian youngster Prachit Gaonkar, both of whom tested Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas in the final 25 minutes. Dhas worked overtime to prevent further damage, including a sharp save that denied David Timor a goal. The Gaurs maintained a near-total control in possession, securing their second clean sheet in as many games.
With qualification secured, FC Goa will next face NorthEast United FC in their final group fixture. Inter Kashi's campaign, which leaves them bottom of the table with one point, came to an early end, and their final group match against Jamshedpur FC will be a dead rubber.
