FC Goa moved provisionally to the summit of the Indian Super League standings after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting Club Delhi at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday.
The decisive moment came just before the interval when Dejan Drazic struck his third goal of the season. The Serbian forward applied a composed finish at the far post, turning in Akash Sangwan’s curling delivery two minutes before half-time. In a contest that offered few clear-cut opportunities, that single flash of quality proved enough.
The win lifts the Gaurs to seven points from their opening three matches, continuing a strong start to the campaign. For Delhi, however, the defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table, still searching for momentum.
The opening stages were marked by defensive organisation rather than attacking fluency. Both teams struggled to build sustained rhythm in the final third. Goa’s Sandesh Jhingan came closest early on, glancing a header narrowly wide. At the other end, Matija Babović tested Hrithik Tiwari from distance, while Abdul Hudu also forced the goalkeeper into action.
Goa had a golden opportunity to double their lead shortly after the hour mark. Ayush Adhikari was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, presenting Drazic with the chance to convert his third penalty in as many matches. But the forward blazed his effort over the crossbar, keeping Delhi’s hopes alive.
Despite the reprieve, the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough. Rafael Ribeiro produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Ayush Chhetri, preserving Goa’s slender advantage. Moments later, Ribeiro threatened at the opposite end but headed wide from a corner.
As the clock ticked down, Goa managed proceedings with calm control, keeping possession and limiting Delhi’s attacking openings. Their defensive discipline ensured there would be no late drama, sealing a second consecutive win.
While not a spectacle filled with chances, the result reflects a growing resilience within the Goa squad. With seven points secured and confidence building, they now sit at the top while Delhi are left to regroup after another frustrating outing.
