FC Goa have secured their place in the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 after a dominant 3-0 victory over Inter Kashi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday. The defending champions displayed attacking precision, tactical control, and defensive stability to seal their second straight win in Group B and confirm their top spot with a match to spare.
The Gaurs' dominance was evident from the opening whistle, with a high press and quick transitions putting Inter Kashi's backline under pressure. Their efforts paid off early, as Dejan Drazic capitalized on a defensive miscommunication to slot the ball past goalkeeper Shubham Roy in the 3rd minute. Inter Kashi attempted a throw-in near their defensive third, but a slip from one of their centre-backs handed Goa possession. Youngster Ayush Chhetri Nemil pounced on the loose ball and squared it to Drazic, who made no mistake.
FC Goa continued to control the game, with their midfield trio of Carl McHugh, Raynier Fernandes, and Borja Herrera dictating the tempo. Wingers Noah Sadaoui and Nemil stretched the Kashi defense, forcing errors. In the 37th minute, Borja Herrera doubled Goa's lead with a left-footed shot that squeezed past Kashi goalkeeper Shubham. Just four minutes later, Herrera scored again with a flying header from a long ball by David Timor, making it 3-0.
Inter Kashi, who had drawn 2-2 with NorthEast United in their opening match, struggled to find their rhythm. Striker Matija Babovic, who scored in the previous game, received little service, and every forward move was quickly intercepted by Goa's disciplined defense, led by Odei Onaindia and Jay Gupta.
The second half saw FC Goa maintain their dominance, with Drazic, Nemil, and Herrera continuing to trouble the Inter Kashi defense. Coach Manolo Marquez then decided to rest Drazic and Herrera, bringing on Iker Guarrotxena and Javier Siverio. The Gaurs had 7 shots on target from a total of 14, while Inter Kashi had none on target after 3 attempts.
With this win, FC Goa have secured their place in the semi-finals with six points from two matches. Inter Kashi's campaign has come to an early end, as they find themselves at the bottom of the table with just one point. Goa will face NorthEast United FC in their final Group B match on November 1.
