Xtra Time Web Desk: Amidst a day of uncertainty, FC Goa confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Durand Cup with a resounding 5-1 win over Delhi FC today at the Kalyani Stadium. Except for the opening 10 minutes of the game, Juan Ferrando’s men looked completely in charge of the proceedings as they strolled past their opponents.
Goals from the Gaurs’ top scorers (in the Durand Cup) Devendra Murgaokar and Muhammed Nemil along with Brandon Fernandes’ first goal of the season closed out a controlled first half. The second half, meanwhile, saw fullback Leander D’Cunha score his first senior goal for the club whilst Alexander Romario Jesuraj netted the fifth to round off the proceedings.
FC Goa, though, turned the game around in a jiffy and took the lead in the 15th minute as a quick turn and pass from Nemil found Sanson Pereira in acres of space. The fullback made full use of the opportunity to deliver a precise cross for star Devendra Murgaonkar to head home his fourth goal of the campaign.
The Gaurs continued to charge forward and their efforts quickly paid off in a goal that would have certainly left Juan Ferrando smiling from the touchline. A series of intricate passes from the back saw Romario find space on the right. His low ball into the middle was not the best for the onrushing Murgaokar but Nemil swept home his fourth of the tournament at the far post.
Brandon Fernandes got into the act at the fag end of the first as a stunning free-kick as the Indian international curled in a brilliant free-kick into the top right corner from the left edge of the box.
The second half saw three changes with Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera and Brandon Fernandes making way for Glan Martins, Princeton Rebello and Redeem Tlang.
The Gaurs kept the pedal to the metal and could have been 5 goals up by the hour if not for the upright and some lackadaisical finishing.
Substitute Nikhil Mali gave Delhi a late glimmer of hope with a goal in the 82nd minute but Leander D’Cunha’s first goal in senior colours for the Gaurs a minute later sealed the deal for Juan Ferrando’s men.
To wrap it all up Saviour Gama, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, delivered his second assist in the 90th minute – this time for Alexander Jesuraj Romario’s to make it 5-1.
Juan Ferrando and his men will now eagerly await their next opponent, as Bengaluru FC and Army Green face off tomorrow to decide who will meet the high flying Gaurs in the semi-finals. That game is scheduled for a 6 pm kickoff on 29th September at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.