Mohammedan SC vs FC Goa ISL 2024-25 match report: Sadiku's late goal spoils Mohammedan's party

Mohammedan Sporting Club missed their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Goa at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, on Saturday. Mohammedan SC dominated proceedings but an intense encounter in the last 25 minutes saw FC Goa managing a draw as Armando Sadiku scored a goal in the 94th minute of the match.

Mohammedan SC Controlled the First Half

Mohammedan SC appeared to be aggressive from the outset. The home side were in command of the ball and appeared as the more threatening side as they pushed the FC Goa defence to the limit time and again.

In the 12th minute, Carlos Franca had the first real opportunity of the match. A constant threat throughout the game, this Brazilian forward found himself space inside the penalty area but could not manage to pick the target from such close range. 

This failure would prove symptomatic of many missed chances that haunted the home side, as they continued to dominate the play without really creating any clear-cut opportunities for goals.

A few minutes later, Franca was once more dazzling with beautiful one-two movement that fed Lalremsanga in the box. That did not result in a goal for them as good intervention by Nim Dorjee saved the day for FC Goa.

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Franca's Brilliance Continues

Despite the missed chances, Franca remained a spark plug out there. His running and placing were causing absolute strife to FC Goa's defence. In the 24th minute, he made a magnificent run down the right wing, beating his marker through a silky touch before powering a shot that rattled the crossbar.

It was just one of those moments that spoke of Mohammedan SC's true attacking intent but were unable to reach the net.

The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute. It paid off for Franca as Odei Onaindia dragged him down inside the penalty area, and Mohammedan SC earned themselves a penalty.

Alexis Gomez stepped up and calmly slotted the ball to give the home side a deserved lead. The Argentine midfielder was one of the standout performers, not only by scoring but also through his creativity in midfield and composure.

Late Show by FC Goa

Mohammedan SC were on the threshold of heading home with their first victory in ISL history with minutes running out to complete the game. But that wasn't destined to be. FC Goa had some other idea.

In injury time, a towering header by Armando Sadiku after an exquisite cross by Aakash Sangwan made it one-all and broke the hearts of home fans in a well-crafted attack that reflected the never-say-die spirit of FC Goa.

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It Is A Tale Of Missed Opportunities For Mohammedan SC

While a draw suited FC Goa, Mohammedan SC will rue their missed opportunities. Repeated pressure resulted in 31 touches in the opposition's box compared to just 10 for FC Goa. They could produce as many as 17 such situations and were led by Franca and Gomez, but failed to convert them into goals and rather earned two precious points on the loss column.

Defending lapses, particularly while searching for those all-important three points, would be some other cause for concern for them before their next match.

Alexis Gomez – Man of the Match

Alexis Gomez was the difference on the night. He scored the penalty for Mohammedan SC and played a big role in Mohammedan SC's domination. With three chances created and a pass completion rate of 83%, he showed poise and authority within the guts of the midfield.

What is next for both teams?

The Mohammedan SC will now travel to Chennai for their next match against Chennaiyin FC on September 26. They would be itching to make the most of this performance and get their first season win. The team will face the challenge of East Bengal FC in Kolkata on the 27th of September. The Gaurs, with a late equalizer, would be carrying all that momentum into the next match.

Brief Scores:

Mohammedan SC: 1 (Alexis Gomez 66')
FC Goa: 1 (Armando Sadiku 90+4')