FC Goa registered their first victory of the MG Indian Super League season after defeating Inter Kashi FC 2-1 at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Sunday. The Gaurs delivered a strong performance, particularly after the interval, to claim all three points and hand Inter Kashi their third defeat of the campaign.

Francisco Feuillassier and Christian Borrego found the net for FC Goa, while Sumeet Passi scored the lone goal for Inter Kashi in an entertaining encounter.

Inter Kashi started positively and looked to put pressure on the Goa defence during the opening exchanges. Jeetu came close to making an impact with a header from inside the box, but his effort missed the target. Ayush Chikkara also attempted to score from distance, although his shot from around 25 yards sailed over the crossbar.

FC Goa gradually settled into the match and began creating opportunities of their own. Their growing influence eventually resulted in the opening goal in the 32nd minute. Isak Ralte played an important role in the build-up, advancing forward before creating space for Francisco Feuillassier. The Spaniard made no mistake, calmly guiding the ball into the bottom corner to give Goa the advantage.

The Gaurs nearly extended their lead five minutes later when Isak Ralte attempted to find the far corner with a floated effort. However, his attempt narrowly missed the target, leaving Inter Kashi within touching distance.

Inter Kashi returned from the break with renewed intent and found the equaliser in the 51st minute. Rosenberg Gabriel delivered an excellent cross from the right flank, which found Sumeet Passi inside the penalty area. Passi made the most of the opportunity, finishing past FC Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson to bring his side level.

The equaliser encouraged Inter Kashi, who looked to build on their momentum. Sandesh Jhingan had an opportunity to put Goa back under pressure following a set-piece delivery, but his header went wide.

FC Goa responded with a decisive attacking move in the 66th minute. Francisco Feuillassier played a clever pass through the Inter Kashi defence towards substitute Muhammed Nemil. Nemil then squared the ball across the goalmouth, allowing Christian Borrego to finish the move and restore Goa’s lead. The Spanish forward’s composed finish proved crucial as the Gaurs moved ahead for the second time.

Inter Kashi pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages, but FC Goa remained organised and managed to protect their advantage. The contest also witnessed a disciplinary setback for Goa, with head coach Gouramangi Singh receiving a red card after kicking the ball away in an attempt to delay the restart.

Despite Inter Kashi’s late efforts, FC Goa held firm until the final whistle to secure their first three points of the season. The victory will provide a welcome boost to the Gaurs as they look to build momentum in the ongoing ISL campaign, while Inter Kashi will be keen to bounce back after suffering their third loss.