Xtra Time Web Desk: An extra time strike from Edu Bedia saw FC Goa beat local favourites Mohammedan Sporting in the final of the Durand Cup 2021 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. Bedia scored the all important goal from a set piece in the 105th minute to silence the 34,000 spectators at the stadium. The victory saw FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando win his first-ever trophy on Indian soil.
Both the teams began with attacking intent; they failed to keep possession for longer durations. The first shot of the match came from Marcus Joseph in the third minute but it was wayward. Soon after, FC Goa created a chance but a mix-up between Nemil and Romario in the box led to an easy save for the Mohammedan SC keeper.
FC Goa’s Romario had the best chance of the half when the Mohammedan defence was completely foxed by a cross from Sanson Pereira from the left flank. But Romario sent the shot wide of the goal post. The second half saw FC Goa dominating possession but the same wasn’t resulting in concrete chances as they were losing the ball far too easily in the final third. The last few minutes saw some moments of excitement.
With scores tied at 0-0 at the end of the regulation time, the final went into extra time. FC Goa was awarded a free kick for a foul committed by Milan Singh just outside the Mohammedan Sporting box in the 105th minute. A brilliant free-kick from FC Goa captain Edu Bedia saw The Gaurs take the lead.