FC Goa's Armando Sadiku.
Photo Credits: FC Goa
PANAJI
The last ISL season was good for the Gaurs wherein the team made it to the semi-finals. They were unbeaten for 12 matches in a row and held the top spot in the table for a significant period.
However, the new season won’t be easy with the departures of some key players like Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, and Carlos Martinez. But, FC Goa has made several impressive signings to bolster its squad.
Let’s look at some of the key players from FC Goa to watch out for this ISL season.
Armando Sadiku
Goa’s biggest acquisition in the summer window has undoubtedly been Armando Sadiku. The Albanian forward is in good form and has scored in every match he played during the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy. His contributions played a significant role in securing the trophy for the Gaurs. During last season, Sadiku was part of the ISL-winning team of Mohun Bagan Super Giant where he contributed eight goals and an assist, despite not starting regularly for the Mariners. Sadiku will now be eager to maintain his impressive pre-season form and aim to score more goals for the Gaurs.
Sandesh Jhingan
During 2023-24 season, Sandesh Jhingan played an important role in FC Goa’s impressive start helping them to maintain the top position for much of the first half of the campaign. Unfortunately, Jhingan’s season was cut short by an injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup. This made a significant impact on FC Goa’s performance in the latter half of the season. His absence was strongly felt as the Gaurs struggled defensively in crucial matches. As Jhingan returns to the squad, he will be looking forward to resuming his strong form and helping the team.
Iker Guarrotxena
The attacking midfielder returns to FC Goa after a gap of one year. Guarrotxena first joined the Gaurs during the 2022-23 season, making an immediate impact both on and off the field. In 23 appearances across the ISL and Kalinga Super Cup, he scored 13 goals, becoming the club’s top-scorer for the season. Due to his technical brilliance and leadership qualities, he quickly became a fan favourite and played a crucial part in the team’s success. Guarrotxena’s presence is expected to give a significant boost to the Gaurs as they aim for glory in the Indian Super League.
Mohammad Yasir
Mohammad Yasir showed his class during last season wherein he scored six goals for the Gaurs in 13 appearances. On loan from Hyderabad FC, the Manipuri winger’s good performance on the pitch earned him a permanent place with FC Goa. From 2019-2024, he represented Hyderabad FC and enthralled the crowd at the Gachibowli Stadium with some stunning goals. Known for his pace and excellent crossing ability, Yasir will be once again eager to prove his worth.
Laxmikant Kattimani
The vastly experienced goalkeeper is back in the FC Goa side after a gap of five years. Kattimani made 39 appearances for the Gaurs over five seasons and was a part of the club since its inception in 2014. He played a significant role during the 2015 ISL season that saw the Gaurs reach the final. Kattimani also played a pivotal role in ISL triumph during the 2021-22 season for Hyderabad FC under then head coach Manolo Marquez, with whom he will now reunite at FC Goa. Known for his crucial saves in crunch matches, his presence will definitely be an asset to the Gaurs.
