FC Goa march into Kalinga Super Cup final with commanding 3-1 win over Mohun Bagan

FC Goa delivered a night to remember for ages as they swept past Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday evening to book their place in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

On a night when head coach Manolo Marquez etched his name into Club history by becoming the longest-serving FC Goa head coach (in terms of matches managed), the Gaurs produced a dominant display full of character, intensity and moments of brilliance.

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Bright start rewarded as Brison strikes

Right from the first whistle, FC Goa looked the sharper and more cohesive of the two sides. Their persistence paid off in the 20th minute with a goal straight from the training ground.

A short corner routine saw Borja Herrera and Boris Singh link up smartly on the right. Borja then delivered a sumptuous curling cross into the box where Brison Fernandes rose highest to glance it into the far corner, giving Goa a deserved 1-0 lead.

The advantage, however, lasted only four minutes. In the 24th minute, Mohun Bagan responded with their first meaningful foray forward. Ashique Kuruniyan burst past Boris on the left wing and delivered a low ball into the area. Goa skipper Odei Onaindia narrowly missed a sliding interception and Suhail Bhat, arriving at the far post, finished calmly to make it 1-1.

FC Goa pushed to regain the lead before the break and nearly did so in the 43rd minute. A quick corner saw Borja find Iker Guarrotxena who headed the ball towards goal and had the keeper beaten, but it cruelly cannoned off the post and away.

It was a warning of things to come.

Iker puts Goa back in front from the spot

The Gaurs came out flying in the second half, showing greater urgency and control. Just five minutes in, Dejan Drazic charged into the Mohun Bagan box and was brought down by a rash challenge from goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, leaving the referee with no doubts. Penalty, Goa.

This time, Iker Guarrotxena made no mistake. With ice in his veins, he sent Dheeraj the wrong way to restore FC Goa’s lead in the 50th minute.

It was Iker’s 11th goal of the season and his fourth of the tournament, making him the leading scorer in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

Borja stuns with an ‘Olimpico‘

Goa were now in full flow, and just eight minutes later, they produced a goal worthy of the occasion. Borja Herrera, already with an assist to his name, stepped up to take a corner from the left. With a wicked in-swinging delivery that caught everyone – including Dheeraj – by surprise, Borja curled the ball straight into the net. An Olympic Goal, pure genius. The Gaurs were now 3-1 up.

From there on, it was just a case of the right game management, as they controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and kept the Mariners at bay with a calm and composed defensive display. Eventually, the final whistle confirmed their place in the title clash.

A landmark win for Manolo Marquez

The night held special significance for Manolo Marquez, who now stands alone as the most experienced head coach in FC Goa’s history:

Matches Managed: 61 (most for any FC Goa head coach)
Wins: 37 (most by any FC Goa head coach)
Points per Game: 2.02 (highest in FC Goa history)

The road to glory: One step away

With this result, FC Goa are now just one match away from lifting the Kalinga Super Cup and securing the coveted spot in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2.

Next Up – The Final