ISL 2023-24: FC Goa remain only club to not concede any headed goals

FC Goa will look to grab three points from the next match in ISL to keep their shield-winning hopes alive.

As the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season is at its business end, clubs are looking forward to qualification for the next round. FC Goa have already qualified for the playoffs and are positioned third in the league table currently. Manolo Marquez has been the architect of FC Goa’s success in this season.

FC Goa, known for their possession-based attacking style, have surprised fans this season with an unexpected strength – their aerial dominance. Although several clubs have faced problems from aerial threats from attackers leading to unnecessary headed goals, the Gaurs have maintained a streak of not conceding any headed goal in ISL 2023-24.

This defensive solidity in the air is a stark contrast to previous seasons. While FC Goa has always boasted a strong backline, aerial vulnerability was a recurring theme. This season, however, something has changed. The entire credit goes to FC Goa’s defensive unit who have marshalled the backline with their aerial dominance and kept out all possible aerial danger.

Sandesh Jhingan (currently injured) and Odei Onaindia have been remarkable in the Goa backline and as a result, FC Goa have kept nine clean-sheets this season. Along with them, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Seriton Fernandes, Narayan Das, and Jay Gupta have been sensational in marking attackers and not conceding unnecessary headed goals.

This newfound aerial dominance has not only bolstered their defense but also instilled a sense of confidence in the entire team. Their opponents are now wary of launching crosses into the box, knowing they face a strong aerial challenge. This has forced them to adopt alternate attacking strategies, which can sometimes be less effective.

It remains to be seen if they can maintain this record, but one thing is certain, opponents will have to think twice before launching hopeful crosses into the FC Goa penalty area. Their heads are up, and they are proving to be a tough nut to crack for any team relying on aerial attacks.

FC Goa have conceded 18 goals from 19 matches, out of which none of them have come from headers. Currently, Manolo’s army are third and are looking to extend their winning streak to win the ISL Shield. FC Goa’s next match in the ISL 2023-24 is against Hyderabad FC on 5 March.

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