FC Goa registered their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) season after defeating Inter Kashi FC 2-1 in an entertaining encounter at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Sunday.
Goals from Francisco Feuillassier and Christian Borrego helped the Gaurs collect three crucial points despite Sumeet Passi bringing Inter Kashi back into the contest early in the second half.
The result lifted FC Goa into the top six of the league standings, while Inter Kashi remained at the bottom with just one point from four matches.
Inter Kashi made a promising start and looked the more aggressive side during the opening exchanges. However, Goa gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities through their attacking players.
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when Isak Ralte produced an impressive attacking run before setting up Feuillassier, popularly known as Franchu.
The Spanish forward showed excellent composure inside the penalty area, guiding his finish into the bottom corner to give Goa a 1-0 advantage.
Five minutes later, Isak nearly doubled the lead with a delicate effort towards the far corner, but the ball narrowly missed the target.
Inter Kashi, who fielded an entirely Indian starting lineup, responded strongly after the interval.
In the 51st minute, Rosenberg Gabriel delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank, allowing Passi to finish past Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson and restore parity.
The equaliser briefly shifted momentum towards Inter Kashi, but Goa regained control through another impressive attacking move.
Franchu, who joined the Gaurs from Kerala Blasters during the summer, once again played a decisive role.
After previously assisting a late equaliser against Sporting Club Delhi, the Spaniard continued his impressive form by delivering a defence-splitting pass to substitute Muhammed Nemil.
Nemil calmly squared the ball beyond the advancing Albino Gomes, leaving Borrego with a straightforward opportunity to finish.
Despite Pratik Chaudhary’s desperate attempt to block the effort, Borrego found the net in the 66th minute to restore Goa’s advantage.
It was the Spaniard’s second league goal of the campaign and ultimately proved to be the match-winner.
The defeat marked Inter Kashi’s third loss of the season, increasing the pressure on the struggling side.
FC Goa will now look to build on their momentum when they host Bengaluru FC on November 6.
Meanwhile, Inter Kashi will aim to secure their first victory when they welcome Sporting Club Delhi on November 7.
