FC Goa claw their way back with a thumping 3-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan at home as three second half goals from Aiban Dohling, Fares Arnaout and Noah Sadaoui guided the Gaurs past the Mariners in a very one sided clash. The visitors looked very tentative right from the start and they never settled after a very shaky first half and an even poor second half where they conceded three goals.
Head coach Carlos Pena was delighted with his team as he shared how he and the players had the pain of the last loss against Kerala Blasters and hence they wanted to flip the script against the Mariners. However after celebrating the win, he wants to focus on the game against Bengaluru FC which is coming up next and the Gaurs will have to be at their best to pick up consecutive wins.
“We are happy to play at home and we know that it’s a very important game for us. After winning today, we have to be humble. It was a great performance. We can enjoy a little bit today, but from Monday, we have to start thinking about Bengaluru FC and how to get three points. For today, it’s time to enjoy, celebrate and go home happy,” Pena stated after the 3-0 win over Mariners.
Aiban Dohling broke the deadlock in the second half after he dribbled past the defenders to tuck it past Vishal Kaith from the first post. It was a really great goal and Pena was very impressed. “I’m very happy with Aibanbha. He is a player with a lot of commitment, when we need him as a center-back he tries to do his best, when he tried him as a left-back he tries to do his best as well so that’s why he is playing all the games. I’m very happy for him for scoring the goal. He scored the goal that’s unusual but he did his job defensively greatly,” the Spanish tactician highlighted.
FC Goa have defeated Jamshedpur FC and ATK Mohun Bagan with 3-0 wins in consecutive home matches. However the wins have been backed with defeats away from home, so that needs to stop and Pena understands that. He feels that the home games are surely different with the fans filling up the stands and the energy around the stadium is high which pushes the players to fight harder.
“Fans are very important. At home we feel confident, and we know that here we are stronger with the support of the fans. Today was not an easy day for us because today we came from a tough loss from Kerala. We did not show our best version, and did not show what we wanted to show. Today, the team showed great character, and the guys put up a very consistent performance, I’m very happy,” Pena concluded.
FC Goa are now in third position in the standings only behind Hyderabad FC and Mumbai City FC. The gaurs have a match in hand and if they win that game, they will be at par with the Islanders.
