Defending champions FC Goa look to end Super Cup group stage with win over NorthEast United FC

FC Goa have already qualified for the Super Cup semi-finals.

Already through to the semi-finals, defending champions FC Goa will face NorthEast United FC in their final Group B clash of the AIFF Super Cup on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST.

What was expected to be a difficult group to play in, FC Goa, the defending champions of the AIFF Super Cup, made it look all so easy after becoming the first team to qualify for the AIFF Super Cup semi-finals with two back-to-back wins against Jamshedpur FC and Inter Kashi.

The reigning Durand Cup Champions’ campaign ended in disappointment after failing to convert their draws into wins. Despite leading the last game against Jamshedpur 2-0, the Highlanders conceded a late goal that saw them settle for yet another draw in Super Cup.

The Stakes

FC Goa

Manolo Marquez had a big challenge to prove his mettle after FC Goa suffered three back-to-back losses in the AFC Champions League 2. From playing Saudi giants Al Nassr in ACL 2 to kickstarting the title defence against reigning finalists Jamshedpur FC in just four days, Manolo’s men did a commendable job.

The Gaurs will face Al Nassr in an away clash on 5th November after the game against the Highlanders. Since Goa has already qualified for the semi-finals, Manolo might be tempted to test his bench strength and give some game time to Lara Sharma, Sahil Tavora, and Abdul Rabeeh.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC were in terrific form coming to the AIFF Super Cup after retaining the Durand Cup title for the second time. Juan Pedro Benali’s side played out two draws against Inter Kashi and Jamshedpur FC. Despite scoring four goals in two games, North East just have two points in their bag so far.

Their final game against Goa was set to be the decider, but two draws initially destroyed their qualification hopes. The Highlanders will look forward to ending their Super Cup campaign positively with a strong win against defending champions Goa.

Team News

Apart from Siverio’s fitness concerns, FC Goa have a fully fit and available squad. As for NorthEast United FC, head coach Juan Pedro Benali also has a fit squad with some doubts regarding Ankith’s fitness.

Head-to-Head

Games played: 23

FC Goa: 06

NorthEast United FC: 04

Draws: 13

Predicted Lineups

FC Goa (4-4-2):

Lara Sharma (GK); Boris, Timor, Sandesh, Ashish Sangwan; Abdul Rabeeh, Udanta Singh, Sahil Tavora, Javi Siverio; Dezan Drazic, Borja Herrera

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1):

Gurmeer (GK); Tlang, Dinesh, Zabaco, Tondonba; Mayakkannan, Andy, Chema, Jairo; Parthib, Ajaraie

Key Players to Watch

Udanta Singh (FC Goa)

A recipient of the Tata Football Academy Best Gentlemen Cadet, the Manipuri winger has been part of the Bengaluru FC squad for years squad which won the ISL, Durand Cup, and also reached the AFC Cup Finals in 2016. He is one of the most experienced and versatile players in Indian football presently.

Udanta’s pace and acceleration from the flanks is nothing less than a nightmare for full-backs. He recently scored the equalizer for the Indian national team against Oman in the CAFA Nations Cup bronze medal match. He will be looking forward to ending Goa’s group stage campaign with a 100% win rate.

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

The Assamese wonder kid from Sivasagar grabbed a lot of limelight in his initial days at the ISL after he scored some mind-blowing goals. For the last few years, he has been a bit inconsistent with his form. He received call-ups to the U20 and U23 national teams and even scored.

He was part of India’s U20 side that won the SAFF U20 Championship and also played a pivotal role in helping the Highlanders win the Durand Cup title back-to-back. Ahead of the game against Goa, he will be keen to make an impact and end the campaign on a strong note.

Did you know?

• FC Goa are the defending champions of the AIFF Super Cup.
• FC Goa has already qualified for the Super Cup semi-finals.
• NorthEast United FC won the Durand Cup recently.

Telecast Details

The Super Cup clash between NorthEast United FC and FC Goa will take place on Saturday (1 November 2025) at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa. It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on the Star Sports network and streamed live on JioHotstar.

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