Panaji
Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made a remarkable return to the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, keeping a clean sheet in his second match as FC Goa triumphed 3-0 over Bengaluru FC and followed it up with a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC. His impressive performance not only surprised Bengaluru's players but also thrilled the fans at the Fatorda Stadium, who cheered for FC Goa's strong showing.
Tiwari, who had last played in the ISL on March 6, 2022, in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Kerala Blasters, spoke exclusively to The Goan after the victory over Punjab FC on Wednesday evening. Reflecting on his back-to-back clean sheets and victories, Tiwari expressed his happiness at securing six points in two matches, especially in front of the home crowd. "It’s great to win both matches back-to-back and get six points, especially at home. It’s a big boost for the team, and the confidence has grown ahead of the international break," he said.
Tiwari also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum ahead of FC Goa's next match, which will be against Kerala Blasters in Kochi on November 28, following the break. "This is a good moment for the team, and we will carry this confidence into our upcoming matches," he added.
Asked about the pressure before the Punjab match, especially considering their strong form, Tiwari emphasized that there was no added stress. "We stuck to the plan and executed the coach’s tactics well. We followed the strategy, and it worked in our favor, helping us win the match," he said.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper also acknowledged the importance of the win, especially before the break. "The win was very important because we wanted to go into the break with positive energy and confidence. It’s good for the team, and we will continue to fight in the same way and keep up the winning momentum," Tiwari explained.
Tiwari also expressed his gratitude to the fans, who have been a constant source of motivation for the team. "I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart. They are the ones who motivate us and give us energy during the 90 minutes of play. It’s great to see the fans coming back in large numbers, and we hope this support keeps growing," he said.
FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Márquez, also praised Tiwari’s performance, saying, "It’s great to see players like Hrithik showing their true potential and making an impact in games."
