Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024: FC Goa script historic win against Brisbane Roar

FC Goa held the Lions to a slender win, upsetting the first-time visitors from Down Under.

FC Goa secured a top spot in Group A and a place in the semifinals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brisbane Roar FC in the 2nd Edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy. The match, held at PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday night, saw Armando Sadiku net the decisive goal for the home team.

The first half was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating chances. Brisbane Roar earned a free-kick following Boris Singh‘s handball but failed to capitalize.

The turning point came just before halftime when Brisbane’s Benjamin Halloran received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Rowlin Borges, leaving the visitors with ten men.

This was the second game that Brisbane Roar played with ten men after they lost a man in their 5-1 rout of Dempo SC in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 opener. Despite the apparent difference in skill, it seems the A-League side have frequent discipline issues which causes them problems.

FC Goa broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half. Borja Herrera skillfully maneuvered through Brisbane’s defense before setting up Sadiku, who calmly slotted home. The hosts nearly doubled their lead through Dejan Drazic’s long-range effort, but Brisbane keeper Macklin Freke produced a brilliant save.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Brisbane remained a threat, with Jez Lofthouse and Adam Zimarino creating opportunities. FC Goa had a chance to seal the game in the 88th minute when Muhammed Nemil’s cross found Boris Singh, but Freke again came to Brisbane’s rescue with a spectacular save.

The match concluded with a nail-biting finish as Zimarino’s header in the dying moments was safely collected by FC Goa’s goalkeeper, preserving the hosts’ 1-0 victory and their place in the semifinals.

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