Secure victory with 6-4 win on penalties thanks to crucial saves by goalkeeper Kattimani and late equalizer by Sadiku
PANAJI
FC Goa claimed their second Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy with a thrilling 6-4 penalty shootout victory over Odisha FC at PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Friday evening.
Odisha FC drew first blood through Hugo Boumous, but FC Goa fought back with goals from Sadiku and Drazic to lead 2-1 at halftime. Odisha levelled through a Jahouh penalty before Rahim Ali put them ahead again. However, Sadiku's late penalty ensured the match went to a shootout.
The tournament, graced by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Govind Gaude, saw both teams vying for midfield supremacy from the outset.
In the shoot-out, FC Goa were on fire as their custodian Laximikanth Kattimani came in clutch to deny Odisha FC’s Ahmed Jahouh and Delgado from the spot and sealed them the win.
In the first half, Odisha's Boumous broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, smashing home from Jahouh's low drive.
FC Goa regrouped from the setback and restored parity in the 33rd minute through Armando Sadiku. The striker latched onto Herrera's through ball and calmly slotted past the Odisha keeper. Drazic then put the Gaurs ahead before halftime with a curling effort from the left flank.
In the second half, Odisha FC emerged with renewed determination, swiftly leveling the score when Roy Krishna was brought down in the box by Rowllin Borges. Ahmed Jahouh confidently converted the ensuing penalty into the bottom left corner.
Powered by the equalizer, Odisha pressed forward and regained the lead through Rahim Ali, who finished off a precise pass from Boumous.
In the dying minutes, Odisha's Amey Ranawade pulled off a spectacular goal-line clearance, somehow keeping out Herrera's goal-bound half-volley that seemed destined for the net.
But FC Goa would not be denied. In the 88th minute, disaster struck for Odisha as a defender was penalized for handball in the box. Up stepped Armando Sadiku, cool as you like, slotting home from the spot to level the scores at 3-3.
With the match tied at 3-3 after regulation, the outcome was decided by a tie-breaker. FC Goa showcased their composure under pressure, with Armando Sadiku, Dejan Drazic, and Borja Herrera all converting their kicks. FC Goa’s goalkeeper Laximikanth Kattimani proved crucial, saving spot-kicks from Ahmed Jahouh and Delgado, while Boumous missed his attempt entirely. Odisha could only respond through Diego Mauricio, leaving FC Goa to celebrate their triumph.
