FC Goa Dominates Sporting Clube de Goa in Bhausaheb Bandodkar Trophy Opener

FC Goa launched their Bhausaheb Bandodkar Trophy 2024 campaign with a 4-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa. Scoring was initiated by Borja Herrera and capped off by Armando Sadiku and Boris Singh. The match, played amid heavy rain, highlighted new talent and a strong defensive performance.

FC Goa began their Bhausaheb Bandodkar Trophy 2024 campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory against Sporting Clube de Goa at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. Despite relentless rain, the Gaurs showcased their superiority with a brace from Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera and late goals by Armando Sadiku and Boris Singh.

This was FC Goa's first competitive fixture of the 2024-25 season. Head coach Manolo Marquez was keen to experiment with his lineup, giving first starts to goalkeeper Bob Jackson, defenders Muhammad Hammad and Sanatomba Singh, midfielder Dejan Drazic, and striker Alan Saji. Young talents like Muhammed Nemil, Ayush Chhetri, and Brison Fernandes also featured prominently in the starting XI.

The heavy downpour added another layer of challenge, but the Men in Orange remained focused and controlled much of the match. By halftime, the teams were level at 0-0, but the game mostly took place in Sporting's half. In the 55th minute, FC Goa broke the deadlock as Drazic was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. Herrera confidently converted, striking into the top-right corner.

Six minutes later, Herrera doubled the lead with a powerful long-range shot initiated by Ayush Chhetri's crucial interception. The midfield maestro received the ball from Drazic and unleashed a thunderous 25-yard shot into the top-right corner.

Substitute Armando Sadiku made a notable debut, scoring from just outside the box in the 82nd minute. Seven minutes later, Boris Singh added the final goal, benefiting from Brison Fernandes' precise pass.

Sporting Clube de Goa managed some sporadic chances but couldn't break FC Goa's solid defence. Veterans Odei Onaindia and Nim Dorjee, alongside Bob Jackson, Hammad, and Sanatomba, ensured a clean sheet. Looking ahead, FC Goa faces Brisbane Roar on Tuesday, August 27, at 7:00 PM IST at the same venue.

(With inputs from agencies.)