PANAJI
FC Goa defeated Chennaiyin FC 2-1 at Fatorda last Saturday to storm into the semi-finals of ISL for the first time in last three years. It will be seventh semi-final appearance for the ‘Men in Orange’ at ISL in ten seasons. Undoubtedly, it has been a fairly decent performance by the Gaurs wherein they finished at third position in the points table at the end of league phase; just three points behind the league topper Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Gaurs will now be aiming to win their maiden ISL title. FC Goa’s good show has been possible only due to great team effort and some valuable contribution from its key players.
Manolo Márquez
FC Goa’s good performance at ISL this season wouldn’t have been possible without its super-coach Manolo Marquez. The Spaniard under whose guidance Hyderabad FC won its maiden ISL Trophy for 2021-22 season has done wonders for the Gaurs. Manolo has shown each player how to tactically position oneself and improve one's game. Under him, 11 different players have scored goals for FC Goa. He has ensured that only the strikers, but also centre-forward, mid-fielders have scored goals. The Spaniard has made his team more competitive and has also added much-needed solidity to the side making the Gaurs a very difficult team to beat. No wonder, the ‘Men in Orange’ had the joint-fewest number of losses (3) during league stage.
Noah Sadaoui
With 11 goals to his credit, Noah Sadaoui has been the third highest goal scorer in the tournament so far and is in the race for the prestigious ‘Golden Boot’ Award. The Moroccan footballer has undoubtedly been a trump card for the Gaurs, consistently making a significant impact every time he took the field. The only player from FC Goa to score a hat-trick at ISL this season, the goals scored by Noah Sadaoui has helped his side win quite a few matches and thereby qualify for the semi-finals. Along with goals, Sadaoui has also been involved in five assists.
Carlos MartÃnez
Along with Noah Sadaoui, Carlos MartÃnez has been a prolific goal scorer for the Gaurs. With 10 goals, MartÃnez is the fourth highest goal scorer in ISL this season. Playing his first season in India, the Spanish striker has shown his prowess of scoring goals much to the delight of FC Goa fans. Apart from scoring, the Barcelona striker has become like a senior member for Monolo's side, guiding those around him with the wealth of experience that he possesses.
Brandon Fernandes
Local boy Brandon Fernandes has led his side from the front, taking FC Goa to the semi-finals of ISL after a gap of three years. Brandon who has been with the Gaurs since last seven years, has always been crowd’s favourite at Fatorda. Besides leading his team, Brandon did score two goals including the decider against Chennaiyin FC in the play-offs and has been involved in four assists.
Arshdeep Singh
Apart from strikers, mid-fielders and coach, goal-keeper Arshdeep Singh has undoubtedly been one of the heroes for FC Goa. In 15 appearances at ISL this season, he had a total of seven clean sheets, making him a joint fourth in this category across all goalkeepers in the competition. Had it not been his brilliant saves, FC Goa would have conceded lot many goals which could have eventually led to their losses.
