Soham’s stoppage-time strike gives Bengaluru 2-1 win over FC Goa

Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, in an Indian Super League match on Friday. Borja Martinez opened the scoring in the first half and Franchu levelled before substitute Soham Varshneya struck in stoppage time to decide the game.

The Blues began the contest on the front foot and took an early lead when Borja Martinez scored in the 12th minute. FC Goa responded quickly, with Franchu bringing the hosts level in the 17th minute after a build-up that created the chance. The match stayed competitive through the remainder of normal time.

Martinez’s goal came after he created space and produced a left-footed strike from outside the box that found the net to put Bengaluru ahead 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Goa’s equaliser originated from Muhammed Nemil, who picked out Franchu; Franchu then unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from distance that flew past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to make it 1-1 in the 17th minute.

Both sides traded moments as they sought a winner, but it was a late substitution who produced the decisive moment. Substitute Soham Varshneya delivered the decisive blow in the third minute of stoppage time to give Bengaluru the lead.

The result: FC Goa 1 (Franchu 17) lost to Bengaluru FC 2 (Martinez 12, Soham 90+3).

The victory moved Bengaluru to third in the standings, behind NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with a game in hand.