WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) Bhubaneswar, India – In a thrilling encounter at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday, FC Goa staged a sensational late comeback to defeat Punjab FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. The dramatic victory propels the Gaurs into the semi-finals, where they will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Wednesday, 30 April.
A Match of Intensity and Twists
Punjab FC took an early lead in the second half through Ezequiel Vidal’s strike in the 57th minute, and for a significant stretch of the match, they appeared poised for a famous victory. However, two rapid goals in the dying moments by Borja Herrera and Mohammed Yasir turned the game in FC Goa’s favour, leaving Punjab FC heartbroken.
First Half: A Tactical Battle
The match began with Punjab FC exhibiting urgency and attacking prowess, pressing high to test the Goa defence. Their efforts led to the game’s first real chance in the ninth minute when Vidal’s corner found Nikhil Prabhu, whose header forced a sharp save from Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.
Punjab FC showcased strong defensive discipline, effectively nullifying FC Goa’s talismanic Spaniard Iker Guarrotxena, who struggled to find room to operate. Despite growing into the game, Goa’s first significant opportunity in the 18th minute—a move culminating in Udanta Singh missing the target—failed to break the deadlock. Moments later, Borja Herrera’s strike was saved, and Guarrotxena’s attempt on the rebound was blocked amidst appeals for a handball that the referee dismissed.
Second Half: High Drama and Late Goals
Punjab FC finally broke the stalemate in the 57th minute. A left-footed strike from distance by Muhammad Suhail rattled the post, and Vidal capitalised on the rebound to put Punjab ahead.
Chasing the game, FC Goa pushed forward but struggled to penetrate Punjab’s resolute defence. With full-time approaching, Punjab appeared on course to seal the win, but football’s unpredictability had other plans.
In the 89th minute, substitute Brison Fernandes sent in a cross that Ashish Pradhan failed to clear. The loose ball landed at Borja Herrera’s feet, and he finished clinically into the bottom corner to equalise. The momentum firmly shifted, and just three minutes later, Dejan Drazic’s floated cross from the left led to another defensive error. Punjab defender Pramveer’s weak header dropped for Mohammed Yasir, who unleashed a powerful shot into the net, completing a stunning turnaround.
To add to Punjab’s woes, Pramveer received his second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving his team with further heartbreak.
Post-Match Accolades and Fixtures Ahead
Borja Herrera’s impactful performance earned him the Kalinga Player of the Match award, presented by Shri Amit Kumar Nayak, OAS, Deputy Secretary to the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha.
The stage is now set for more excitement in the Kalinga Super Cup:
- Sunday, 27 April 2025, Quarter-Finals Fixtures:
- Inter Kashi vs Mumbai City FC at 4:30 PM IST
- NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC at 8:00 PM IST
With FC Goa’s dramatic victory, anticipation builds as the tournament heads into its semi-final phase.
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