FATORDA: FC Goa proved that there is life after Lobera with a scintillating performance which saw them maul Hyderabad FC with a 4-1 win at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
With this win the Gaurs became the first team to guarantee themselves a spot in ISL semi-finals. Currently at the top of the table with 33 points from 16 matches, the Gaurs will finish in the top four even if they end up losing their remaining two matches in the league stage.
It wasn’t the usual scenes and match day atmosphere on Wednesday at Fatorda. At the crucial juncture, it was just 10,212 spectators to back the Gaurs, probably the lowest number count this season so far.
There were revolts and minor protests outside the stadium, but on the field nothing changed as FC Goa gave another great performance, with Hugo Boumous being the key highlight of the evening with two goals and an assist to Ferran Corominas, who also scored a brace.
Marcelinho pulled a goal back for Hyderabad who are rooted at the bottom of the table with six points.
Though Lobera was absent the determination didn’t fade away. FC Goa were doing their best —attacking football right from the word go. There were chances created with some entertaining football on the field, which was enjoyed by the Fc Goa management who were on their feet throughout the go.
Coro missed a chance early in the game but soon scored the opening goal when Mandar Rao Dessai tried his luck from a distance but the ball fell at Bounous’ feet who was in the box, the last man scored past former FC Goa and present Hyderabad FC custodian Kattimani.
This is definitely not Hyderabad’s season as the side struggled not only to win points but also to score and same was seen when Marcelinho squandered a chance to get their side back in the game. The scores were 1-0 at the break.
The second half continued with same vigour as Goa played good football and it was Hugo who was outstanding on Wednesday night.
Dribbling, winning ball, he was doing everything right and then soon after restart he scored his second goal with a brilliant solo effort when he dribbled past three Hyderabad player before curling past Kattimani.
Though Hyderabad managed to pull a goal back through Marcelinho brilliant freekick, Goa continued attacking and deservingly scored and this time the goal scorer Hugo set up Corominas with a defense splitting pass, and the latter graced it with a smart flick to score past onrushing Kattimani.
Savior, Princeton were introduced to the game and the latter created some good moves in the game. FC Goa were awarded a penalty when Kattimani fouled Corominas in the box and it was surprisingly taken by Corominas, as Hugo had a chance to complete his treble. Coro didn’t let the fans down as he scored his second and team’s fourth goal.
