“Brison’s Strike Secures Victory for FC Goa in a Thriller Against East Bengal
January 19, 2025 – Goa, India: FC Goa returned to winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL), edging past East Bengal FC with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.
In what is becoming a regular occurrence in the ongoing 2024-25 season, Brison Fernandes once again emerged as the difference-maker with a well-taken goal in the first half.
The Gaurs started brightly, and it took just 13 minutes for them to break the deadlock. A cleverly worked short corner between Borja Herrera and Boris Singh caught East Bengal’s defense off-guard. Herrera’s pinpoint cross found Brison, whose deft header lobbed over an onrushing Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to find the back of the net.
It marked the youngster’s sixth goal of the league season and his 10th goal overall for the club.
East Bengal, though stunned, responded well, with Vishnu PV and Richard Celis driving their attack. Goa’s goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and their defensive unit were up to the task, however, repeatedly thwarting the visitors.
The Men in Orange came close to doubling their lead in the 35th minute when Iker Guarrotxena unleashed a thunderous shot from 30 yards that beat Gill but struck the post. Brison was quick to react to the rebound, but Gill redeemed himself with a superb save.
The second half saw East Bengal ramp up the pressure, with Celis and Naorem Mahesh Singh creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, Hrithik Tiwari stood tall in goal, pulling off a series of outstanding saves, including a diving effort in the 67th minute to deny Celis from close range.
FC Goa’s chances of extending their lead were squandered, with Armando Sadiku missing some clear opportunities, including a sliced effort from right in front of goal in the 75th minute. The Albanian striker’s night went from bad to worse when he was sent off in stoppage time for a rash challenge, leaving his team to hold on with 10 men in the final moments.
Despite the visitors’ dominance in the second half, Goa’s defense held firm, ensuring that Brison’s early strike proved decisive.
The victory extended the Gaurs’ unbeaten run to 11 matches and propelled them to second place in the standings with 30 points from 16 games. With the league now heading towards its most important phase, Manolo Marquez and his boys will now look to continue their momentum when they host Chennaiyin FC next Saturday.”
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