Team Herald
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MARGAO: Reigning champions FC Goa produced a commanding performance to defeat I-League champions Inter Kashi, 3-0, in their Group B clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday, becoming the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage.
The scorers for FC Goa were Dejan Dražić (3’), followed by a brace from Borja Herrera (38’, 42’). The result ensured Goa’s perfect record in Group B, giving them six points from two matches.
With both NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC dropping points in their 2-2 draw earlier in the day, neither side can now catch the Gaurs, who have booked their semi-final berth with a game to spare. For Inter Kashi, their campaign came to an early end, as they find themselves bottom of the table with just one point.
The home side made a dream start, taking the lead inside four minutes. A lapse in the Inter Kashi defence allowed Muhammed Nemil to square the ball for Dejan Drazic, who calmly finished to make it 1-0.
Despite the early blow, Inter Kashi – fielding an all-Indian line-up apart from Spanish defender David Humanes – held their defensive shape well and worked tirelessly to contain Goa’s attacking waves.
Goa continued to press with intent and their persistence paid off in the 37th minute. Anil Chawan, already on a yellow card, failed to clear a loose ball under pressure and Drazic pounced to feed Borja Herrera, whose low strike slipped past goalkeeper Shubham Das to double the lead.
Just four minutes later, Herrera struck again – this time with a clinical header from a precise David Timor delivery through the centre – to give Goa a commanding 3-0 advantage before the break.
Inter Kashi regrouped in the second half, showing determination and defensive discipline as Goa managed possession and dictated the tempo. Both sides made substitutions to inject energy — Sandip Mandi and Ashish Jha came on for Inter Kashi, while Goa introduced Javier Severio, Udanta Singh and Iker Guarrotxena.
Inter Kashi’s best chance arrived in the 76th minute when Ashish Jha broke through but sent his effort narrowly wide. Despite their spirited play, the Uttar Pradesh side struggled to breach Goa’s well-organised backline.
