ISL 2022-23: Clinical FC Goa brush aside Jamshedpur FC on Fatorda return

Updated: May 16, 2023, 11:52 pm

Noah Sadaoui scored FC Goa's second goal, brilliantly set up by Brandon Fernandes
Noah Sadaoui scored FC Goa's second goal, brilliantly set up by Brandon Fernandes
Vipin Pawar/Focus Sports/ ISL

FC Goa's first game at home this season was a joyous one for Carlos Pena's side as they defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Iker Guarrotxena and Noah Sadaoui scored inside the first 15 minutes, and Brison Fernandes scored in the 93rd minute to give Goa the three points.

Both sides made two changes to their starting XIs. The hosts welcomed Dheeraj Moirangthem back in goal, and Fares Arnaout replaced Marc Valiente in defence.

The visitors also made a change in defence with Eli Sabia coming in to replace Pratik Chaudhari. Harry Sawyer dropped to the bench and Jitendra Singh came into the midfield as Jamshedpur switched to a 4-2-3-1.

Goa were off to a flyer as Guarrotxena scored after just two minutes. Brandon Fernandes played a short corner to Edu Bedia on the right flank. The Spaniard whipped a cross in as the ball missed a cheeky flick from Redeem Tlang before finding Guarrotxena, whose decisive tap-in put Goa ahead.

Goa established a two-goal cushion just ten minutes later, as Brandon found Sadaoui with a sublime defence-splitting pass from midfield. The striker kept his left-footed strike low and hard to double FC Goa's advantage.

Towards the end of the first half, Wellington Priori dodged his marker and unleashed a shot at goal. Dheeraj matched it with a decent save. At the other end, Sadoui continued to be a menace for the Jamshedpur defence. In first-half stoppage time, Sadoui crossed the ball in from the left flank before Tlang's header was tipped over the bar by Rehenesh.

In the second half, Aidy Boothroyd reverted to a 4-4-2 as he took Sabia and Jitendra off and brought Sawyer and Pratik on. Ten minutes in, striker Jay Emmanuel Thomas replaced midfielder Priori in an effort to add more attacking impetus to the team. However, Goa were able to keep all attackers at bay.

Goa gave their fans the icing on the cake on a special night as they scored a third in second-half stoppage time. Two Substitutes combined as Saviour Gama played a low ball towards Brison, who controlled and smashed one past Rehenesh to seal the victory.