Take on NorthEast United FC in Guwahati
FC Goa's Muhammed Nemil (L) and Brison Fernandes during a warm-up session.
PANAJI
FC Goa will look to continue their uptick in form and secure their third straight win to close the gap at the top of the table as they face NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
FC Goa are riding a wave of confidence after handing league leaders Mumbai City FC their first defeat of the season. The Gaurs produced a commanding 2-0 home victory and significantly boosted their chances to win the league.
Presently occupying third place with 16 points from nine matches, their campaign has been heavily anchored by a resolute defence that has conceded only six goals throughout the league, a record shared only with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. An away win would propel them to 19 points, keeping them firmly in contention for the title.
Their recent success has also been heavily influenced by standout individual performances, particularly from Muhammed Nemil. Inspiring FC Goa to a much-needed win over Mumbai City, Nemil found the back of the net with a spectacular 35-yard stoppage-time screamer. He capped off the inspiring display by registering the highest number of shots on target in the match week among Indian players.
NorthEast United FC will play their second straight home game and hope to bounce back from a narrow 0-1 defeat to defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a rain-affected encounter. Despite a resilient effort in challenging conditions, the Highlanders were undone by an early fifth-minute strike from Robson. Currently sitting 12th in the standings with seven points from nine matches, the Guwahati-based outfit would reach 10 points with a victory on Friday.
Past encounters between the two sides have been notoriously tight, with more than half of their 22 ISL meetings ending in a draw. While FC Goa edge head-to-head with six wins to NorthEast United's four, alongside a 38-31 goal advantage, there is rarely much to separate them on the pitch. In the previous meeting between the sides, the match finished 1-1 in Guwahati.
FIXTURE
NorthEast United vs FC Goa, 5 pm; Broadcast: FanCode, Sony Sports Network
