FC Goa vs Punjab FC Player Ratings: Boris, Ayush shine as Ravi, Suresh disappoint | ISL 2024-25

FC goa looked the dominant side throughout the game.

FC Goa registered back-to-back wins at home for the first time this season in the Indian Super League(ISL) as they beat high-flying Punjab FC 2-1. Punjab FC drew the first blood with a strike from Asmir Suljic in the 13th minute after a dummy by Luka Majcen.

But what followed was a one-way traffic towards Punjab FC. FC Goa leveled the game through Armando Sadiku’s goal in the 22nd minute and early into the second half Iker Guarrotxena won the game for the home side by slotting the rebound in the 49th minute.

Meanwhile, let us look at the Indian players ranking from today’s game.

FC Goa (By Dipro Mukherjee)

Hritik Tiwari (GK) – 6

The young Indian custodian of the Gaurs put up a show today with his offensive awareness. Even though conceding early on in the first half after he failed to keep out Asmir Suljic’s 13th-minute strike, Hritik did act as a sweeper three times and was also clinical with his recoveries within the 18-yard box.

Boris Singh Thangjam – 7.5

Boris was FC Goa’s best Indian player on the field tonight. The wingback operated skilfully on the right flank with a high tempo. He won three of his four attempted tackles while getting into ground duels often and winning a fair share of them. Boris maintained a sober passing accuracy throughout the course of the game.

Sandesh Jhingan – 5.5

The veteran Indian defender appeared to have lost his natural rhythm on the field tonight. Even though his involvement was perceptible, the statistics are enough to prove the fact it was not the best of his performances.

Aakash Sangwan – 6.5

Aakash, similar to Boris, showcased great potential on the flanks. He also created the greatest number of chances for the Gaurs, i.e., four chances. Even though he was clinical with his recoveries and also registered seven accurate long balls, however, the ground duels against the Punjab FC players didn’t let the dice roll into his favor for the majority of the occasions.

Sahil Tavora – 7.0

Sahil played a pivotal role in the midfield throughout the game. Well-versed with his duties in the middle third, Sahil registered 19 accurate passes, won the ball possession in both of his attempted tackles and also had a shot on target.

Ayush Dev Chhetri – 7.5

The 21-year-old midfielder from Aizawl made 22 accurate passes, created a chance, and also had a shot on target.

The young prospect from the Goan club also made two successful dribbles and registered four accurate long balls. He acted as the central winger to Yasir and Drazic on the flanks, with Iker and Sadiku upfront.

Mohammed Yasir- 6.5

The right winger had a fair game today. He was thorough with his passing and also attempted a shot at the goal.

Even though he seemed to be struggling with the ground duels during the counters, Yasir was better off defensively tonight. He won his solitary aerial duel and both of his tackles too.

Brison Fernandes- 6

Came on as a substitute in the 68th minute and was significant on the left flank, with dribbles and passing accuracy.

Muhammad Nemil- N/A

Jay Gupta- N/A

Punjab FC (By Rutvij Joshi)

Ravi Kumar – 5

Ravi Kumar made a howler in the second half as he failed to collect the ball cleanly for the first time resulting in Iker Guarrotexena slotting it home on a rebound. Apart from that he had a decent game being able to thwart any threats that came his way.

Leon Augustine – 5.5

Leon Augustine was slotted at the right back slot after Lhungdim had to leave injured in the last game against Chennaiyin. Leon started the game strongly but was caught in two minds making misplaced passes possibly due to an abundance of instructions from his teammates.

Suresh Meitei – 5

Suresh could have prevented the first goal from going in had he tracked Sadiku’s run earlier. That defensive lapse from Punjab resulted in FC Goa making a comeback into the game.

Abhishek Singh – 6

Abhishek arguably was the best defender for Punjab FC throughout the game as he made sure Mohammed Yasir did not have any influence over the game from the left defensive wing. Going forward, he played some silky one-touch football and was involved in many patient buildups by Punjab FC.

Vinit Rai – 6

Vinit Rai was involved in the buildups for Punjab FC and managed to make five recoveries but he was exposed as soon as Punjab FC were pinned back by Goa making his positioning vulnerable.

Nikhil Prabhu – 6.5

Nikhil Prabhu was a defensive workhorse. He man-marked Serbian playmaker Dejan Drazic cutting down on his runs into the box multiple times not giving him a perfect position to slot the ball behind the goalkeeper.

Nihal Sudeesh – 7

Nihal was one of the best players on the pitch keeping Boris on his toes with his Midas touch and tease. Nihal orchestrated the goal for Punjab FC after dropping his shoulder and making a through pass with a weaker foot towards Majcen who let the ball pass to Asmir Suljic to slot the ball.  

Unfortunately, FC Goa had turned the game around, and in need of energy and exuberance, he was replaced by Ninthoi Meetei. 

Substitutions

Ricky Shabong – 6.5

Ricky Shabong replaced Ivan Novosolec who left the field due to the ankle injury. He did well making sure The Shers keep FC Goa attackers at bay and do not concede the second goal.

Ninthoi Meetei – 5

Ninthoi was asked to run at FC goa defence and stretch them as much as possible but his lack of defensive work in transition gave a numerical advantage to FC Goa going forward.

Nitesh Darjee N/A

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