FC Goa secured their first victory of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharti Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday.
The Gaurs made a blistering start, taking the lead in the fourth minute. A well-delivered corner from Dejan Dražić found Pol Moreno unmarked inside the box, and the defender powered his header past goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee.
Goa continued to dictate possession and nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Brison Fernandes’ diving header struck the upright. The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute when Udanta Singh was brought down inside the penalty area. Dražić stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the visitors a 2-0 cushion heading into halftime.
Mohammedan SC attempted to shift momentum in the second half with multiple substitutions, creating a few promising opportunities. Their best chance came in the 72nd minute, but goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced a brilliant save to preserve Goa’s advantage.
Despite late pressure from both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged as FC Goa comfortably saw out the match. The result provisionally lifts them to the top of the table with four points from two matches, while Mohammedan SC are still searching for their first goal and points of the season.
FC Goa have announced Indian Super Gaming League as the club’s Principal Sponsor for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, marking a significant step in blending traditional sport with the rapidly growing esports ecosystem in India. As part of the agreement, ISGL will feature prominently on the front of FC Goa’s matchday kits, strengthening its visibility while aligning with one of Indian football’s most progressive clubs.
The partnership comes at a strategically aligned moment, with the timelines of the Indian Super League and the debut season of the Indian Super Gaming League running in sync. This alignment allows both entities to maximise engagement and build a shared narrative that connects football fans with the expanding gaming community across the country.
Beyond jersey branding, ISGL will have a strong presence across FC Goa’s digital platforms and branding initiatives, enabling the creation of engaging and interactive content that resonates with both sports and esports audiences. The collaboration aims to foster deeper connections between fans while opening new avenues for storytelling and community engagement.
The Indian Super Gaming League, an initiative by LetsGameNow, represents a focused push towards the growth and professionalisation of esports in India. With a structured format, diverse gaming titles, and a nationwide reach, the league is designed to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging gaming talent. Backed by extensive experience in organising gaming tournaments, LetsGameNow aims to position ISGL as a premier competitive platform, with its grand finale scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 15.
Speaking on the partnership, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur expressed enthusiasm about welcoming ISGL on board, noting that esports is gaining significant momentum in India and aligns with the club’s philosophy of grassroots development. He highlighted that both organisations share a common goal of creating structured opportunities for young talent, whether on the football pitch or in competitive gaming arenas.
Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder of LetsGameNow, emphasised that the collaboration reflects a natural extension of ISGL’s mission to provide credible platforms for aspiring players. He noted that FC Goa embodies the sporting aspirations of Goa’s youth and shares a commitment to building professional pathways for emerging talent. The partnership, he added, represents a strategic integration of traditional sports and esports, driven by discipline, ambition, and opportunity.
As part of its nationwide outreach, the league will host qualifying rounds across five cities, including Goa, where the event is scheduled for March 6 in association with FC Goa. The initiative offers aspiring gamers a chance to compete across multiple esports titles, reinforcing ISGL’s vision of empowering the next generation of players to perform confidently on both national and global stages.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to launch on February 14, marking another thrilling chapter in India’s top-tier football competition. 14 teams from across the country will battle it out over the course of the season, aiming for supremacy, glory, and a chance to lift the coveted ISL trophy.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical battles, emerging young talents, and international stars showcasing their skills on Indian soil. With fixtures scheduled across major cities, the league promises high-energy football, fan engagement, and electrifying stadium atmospheres.
Teams are preparing meticulously, with transfers, pre-season camps, and strategy sessions shaping up ahead of the kickoff. Clubs like Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC are expected to be major contenders, while new signings and promising youngsters could change the dynamics of the league.
The ISL continues to grow in stature, nurturing Indian football talent, attracting international attention, and inspiring fans across the country. With the season opener set for February 14, football enthusiasts can expect a fiery start to what promises to be a landmark season.
Stay tuned as the chase for the ISL summit begins!
Jamshedpur FC have announced the return of Owen Coyle as Head Coach ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, marking a homecoming that has already ignited excitement among fans. The Scottish coach has signed a two-year contract, with trusted assistant Sandy Stewart joining him as part of the coaching setup.
Coyle’s return evokes memories of one of the most successful phases in the club’s history. During his previous stint, he led Jamshedpur FC to the 2021–22 ISL League Winners’ Shield, transforming the team from mid-table contenders into consistent title challengers through disciplined tactics and an attacking mindset.
The appointment follows the departure of Khalid Jamil, who guided Jamshedpur FC to a fifth-place finish last season before moving on to take charge of the India national football team. With the club keen to build on that momentum, Coyle’s familiarity with the squad culture and expectations made him a natural choice.
Confirming the appointment, Mukul Choudhari, CEO of Jamshedpur FC, described the move as a “natural fit,” citing Coyle’s proven track record, understanding of Indian football, and strong connection with the club’s supporters.
Fans have responded enthusiastically, with the club teasing the announcement on social media using the tagline “The Legend Returns”, a nod to Coyle’s lasting legacy in Jamshedpur. With the ISL season kicking off on February 14, expectations are high as the Red Miners aim not just for playoff qualification, but potentially another title push.
As preparations begin under familiar leadership, Jamshedpur FC will hope that Owen Coyle can once again instill belief, consistency, and silverware ambitions into the squad.
Goa, India – In a move that signals continuity and belief in long-term leadership, FC Goa has officially confirmed that Manolo Márquez will remain as the club’s Head Coach for the upcoming 2025–26 season.
The announcement comes after Márquez successfully steered the Gaurs through two highly competitive Indian Super League (ISL) campaigns, helping re-establish the club’s footballing identity and earning widespread respect for his tactical acumen and squad development.
Before joining FC Goa, Márquez had already made a name for himself in Indian football, most notably with Hyderabad FC, where he clinched the ISL title. With FC Goa, he brought tactical discipline, attacking flair, and a clear footballing philosophy that translated into consistent performances on the pitch.
Under his leadership, the Gaurs have shown steady growth — both in results and in player development. From nurturing young Indian talent to crafting a balanced squad, Márquez has played a pivotal role in shaping FC Goa’s modern footballing narrative.
Club’s Statement:
“We are delighted to confirm that Manolo Márquez will continue as our Head Coach. His professionalism, deep understanding of the game, and connection with the team and fans make him the ideal leader as we aim for greater heights in the upcoming season.”
What It Means for the Gaurs
This marks Márquez’s third straight season in charge of FC Goa, a rare show of coaching continuity in Indian football. With pre-season preparations underway, the club can now focus on strategic signings, youth development, and building further on the strong foundation he has laid.
For the fans, it means more of the energetic, possession-based football that has become a hallmark of the team under his watch.
As FC Goa prepares for the 2025–26 ISL season, all eyes will be on Manolo Márquez — the man trusted to lead the charge once again.
