FATORDA: The long wait and anticipation came to an end, as FC Goa finally sealed their play-off berth in style following a comprehensive 3-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League match, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday.
The win also takes FC Goa on pole position ahead of Bengaluru FC who are on 31 points from 16 matches apiece, but the Gaurs share a better goal difference compared to their counterpart. The Gaurs became the second team to qualify after Bengaluru FC.
Ferran Corominas (22’) and Edu Bedia (25') and a third by Hugo Boumous (78') helped FC Goa to do a double over Kerala Blasters, who remain ninth after slumping to their seventh loss of the season.
FC Goa were good from the start as Jackichand Singh threatened the Kerala Blasters defence as he twisted and turned the likes of Lalruatthara and Anas Edathodika on a couple of occasions. One of his efforts did beat Dheeraj Singh but came off the woodwork, much to rival’s relief.
Kerala Blasters then found the back of the net through Slavisa Stojanovic after a quick interplay with Matej Poplatnik. However, the linesman had his flag raised after Courage Pekuson was deemed to be in an offside position.
FC Goa got a deserved breakthrough midway into the first half through Corominas. Brandon Fernandes’ cross from the left was headed home with ease by the Spaniard after he was afforded a lot of space inside the box by Anas Edathodika and Sandesh Jhingan.
In the 25th minute, Edu doubled the lead by slotting the ball into an empty net. This was after Anas sent a back-pass to Dheeraj whose clearance was straight at Corominas. The Spaniard took a touch and laid the ball on a platter for Edu who applied the finishing touch to make matters worse for the visitors.
FC Goa continued to see more of the ball with Kerala Blasters struggling to create any opportunity of note.
However, the first chance in the second half fell to Kerala Blasters when Sahal Samad let loose from outside the box which finally forced a save from FC Goa custodian Naveen Kumar. But that was about it for Kerala Blasters, with FC Goa exerting control.
Before the hour mark, Ahmed Jahouh sent a brilliant ball over the top for Corominas who made a bustling run and managed to get beyond Anas and Dheeraj only for a last-ditch tackle from Poplatnik to avert the danger.
Jahouh could have added his name on the score-sheet with a long-range effort which went inches wide of Dheeraj’s goal.
FC Goa sealed the win in the 78th minute when the substitute Hugo Boumous dribbled past a couple of players and evaded the challenge from Jhingan to beat Dheeraj at his near post to make it 3-0.
