Mohammedan SC vs Goa
Preview: Mohammedan SC vs. FC Goa – Search for the First Win
Match: Mohammedan SC vs. FC Goa
Date: February 20, 2026
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season moves into Matchweek 2 as Kolkata’s historic Mohammedan SC hosts FC Goa. Both sides are desperate to shake off sluggish starts; the Black Panthers are coming off a narrow 0–1 defeat to Jamshedpur FC, while the Gaurs were held to a 1–1 draw by debutants Inter Kashi.
The Storylines
1. Mohammedan’s "Indian-Only" Defiance
Mohammedan SC enters this match under extraordinary circumstances. Due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, they are the first club in ISL history to navigate a season with an entirely domestic squad. While they lacked teeth in their opener—failing to register a single shot on target—their defensive discipline was commendable. Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo will be counting on the home crowd and the "nothing to lose" underdog mentality to bridge the quality gap.
2. FC Goa’s Quality vs. Clinical Edge
Manolo Marquez’s side arrives as the clear favorites on paper, bolstered by foreign talent like Dejan Drazic, who rescued a point in their last outing via a penalty. Despite dominating possession (65%) against Inter Kashi, the Gaurs lacked a clinical edge in open play. For Goa, this match is about removing the "zero" from their wins column and proving they can break down a disciplined, low-block defense.
Tactical Battle
Mohammedan’s Low Block: Expect a 4-1-4-1 formation aimed at choking the central channels. Amarjit Singh Kiyam will be vital in screening the backline.
Goa’s Wings: Marquez will likely exploit the flanks through Udanta Singh and Boris Singh, aiming to pull Mohammedan’s narrow defense out of position to create space for Drazic or Ishan Pandita.
Key Player Matchup
Gaurav Bora (MSC) vs. Dejan Drazic (FCG)
With Mohammedan lacking foreign center-backs, Bora must have a flawless game to track the movement of Drazic, who is currently the focal point of Goa's attack.
Predicted Lineups
| Mohammedan SC (4-1-4-1) | FC Goa (4-2-3-1) |
| GK: Subhajit Bhattacharjee | GK: Hrithik Tiwari |
| DF: Sajad Parray, Gaurav Bora, Pukhrambam, Hira Mondal | DF: Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pol Moreno, Boris Singh |
| MID: Amarjit Singh Kiyam (CDM) | MID: Ayush Chhetri, Harsh Patre |
| ATT: Lalthankima, Tangva Ragui, Mahitosh Roy, Lalremsanga | ATT: Udanta Singh, Brison Fernandes, Dejan Drazic |
| ST: Thokchom Singh | ST: Ishan Pandita |
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 4
FC Goa Wins: 2
Mohammedan SC Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Fact: Mohammedan has never kept a clean sheet against FC Goa in competitive professional play.
Final Verdict
While Mohammedan SC will provide plenty of heart and work rate, the lack of a proven goalscorer is their Achilles' heel. FC Goa’s superior technical quality and the presence of foreign impact players should see them through.
Prediction: Mohammedan SC 0–1 FC Goa
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