Margao, March 3: FC Goa, already guaranteed a second-place finish in this year's Indian Super League (ISL), will welcome Mohammedan Sporting Club to Margao on Tuesday, aiming to extend their impressive home winning streak.
FC Goa secured their runner-up position following Jamshedpur FC's recent 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters. With two games left, Jamshedpur can now only achieve a maximum of 44 points, already falling short of FC Goa’s 45 points from 22 matches. Bengaluru FC, currently third, trails significantly behind with 38 points from 23 matches, confirming FC Goa’s direct qualification to the ISL semi-finals and allowing them to bypass the playoff eliminators.
Mohammedan Sporting's Poor Form Continues
Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, finds itself enduring a challenging season. The Kolkata-based team has managed just 12 points from 22 games, losing four and drawing one in their past five outings. Despite their struggles, Mohammedan Sporting did hold FC Goa to a 1-1 stalemate in their previous encounter on September 21, 2024. Should Tuesday's fixture also end in a draw, Mohammedan Sporting would become only the third team after Mumbai City FC (2014) and East Bengal FC (2020-21) to avoid defeat in their first two ISL encounters against the Gaurs.FC Goa Eyeing Historic Home Winning Streak
FC Goa enters this match with a remarkable home record, having won their last four consecutive ISL matches at home. A victory against Mohammedan Sporting would mark the third time in their history they've recorded five or more straight home wins in a single season. They previously achieved seven consecutive home victories during the 2019-20 season and five consecutive home wins in the 2023-24 season.Goals from Distance: FC Goa's Secret Weapon
This season, FC Goa has thrived on their ability to score spectacular long-range goals. Carl McHugh’s recent strike against Punjab FC marked their ninth goal from outside the penalty area this season. Should they find the net from distance again, Goa will join an elite group, becoming only the fifth team in ISL history to reach double figures in long-range goals in a single campaign.Mohammedan SC’s Defensive Resilience Away from Home
Despite their overall struggles, Mohammedan Sporting recently showed defensive strength, securing a clean sheet away at Odisha FC (0-0) on February 28. They last recorded back-to-back shutouts in January. With three away clean sheets already in 2025, Mohammedan SC shares the record for the most away clean sheets this calendar year alongside Mohun Bagan Super Giant.The clash between FC Goa and Mohammedan Sporting promises intrigue, with both teams eyeing unique achievements in their contrasting seasons.
