PANAJI
FC Goa has achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever trophy at Fatorda Stadium. The victory came after a thrilling final, with goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani playing a crucial role in securing the win for his team.
The match was closely contested, with FC Goa and Odisha FC ending regular time tied at 3-3, which led to a penalty shootout. Kattimani proved to be the hero of the day by making key saves during the shootout. Odisha’s Diego Mauricio scored the first penalty, but FC Goa’s Sadiku quickly equalized. Kattimani then saved an attempt by Jahouh, giving Goa the upper hand. Borja Herrera scored next, and despite Hugo Boumous missing for Odisha, Dejan Dražić’s successful penalty put FC Goa in a commanding position. Kattimani’s final save against Carlos Delgado secured a 3-1 shootout victory for FC Goa.
In an exclusive interview with The Goan after the match, Kattimani reflected on the intense final. He acknowledged the pressure of the game, especially when FC Goa fell behind in the second half. "It was a tough match, but the team’s mentality was strong. We never gave up, and that’s what helped us win the trophy,” he said. He also discussed his approach during the penalty shootout, stating, “I focused on doing my best and trying to anticipate the players' actions. It was all about staying calm and making the right decisions.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, which starts soon, Kattimani expressed optimism. “This victory has given us a boost in confidence. We will use this momentum as we prepare for our opening match against Jamshedpur on the 17th,” he added.
Kattimani also praised the fans for their support, noting that the crowd at Fatorda was larger than in previous matches. “It was great to see the fans come out in such numbers. We hope they continue to support us in the upcoming season,” he said.
The win at Fatorda marks a significant achievement for FC Goa, building on their recent successes. With renewed confidence, the team is set to carry their winning spirit into the new ISL season.
