Kolkata : Mohammedan Sporting Club will host FC Goa at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata in the opening fixture of Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 on Friday, February 20. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 IST, with both teams striving for their first victory of the season.
Mohammedan Sporting Club began their campaign with a 0-1 defeat against Jamshedpur FC, while FC Goa drew 1-1 with debutants Inter Kashi after coming from behind to settle for a thrilling tie.
Under head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mohammedan Sporting fielded an all-Indian squad in their first match, demonstrating defensive discipline and tactical organisation but struggling to finish scoring opportunities which costed them the match.
Addressing the team’s attacking difficulties, Wadoo stated, “We are a young and inexperienced side, and lacking a quality striker. However, we believe in these young players, and tomorrow they are going to put in their best. We have to create more chances; the improvement needs to happen in the final third. Tomorrow we will play better attacking football.” He also acknowledged the challenge posed by the visitors: “FC Goa are a quality side. They are going to come hard against us.”
FC Goa will enter the match aiming for improvement after dropping points in their opener. The Super Cup champions, led by Manolo Marquez, controlled possession against Inter Kashi but failed to capitalise on chances. Boasting a squad strengthened by a strong Indian core and experienced foreign players, the Gaurs intend to assert themselves early in Kolkata.
On the upcoming clash, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez remarked, “Obviously it will be a difficult game. They are playing without too much pressure, and this can be more dangerous. We know that they will play with a lot of intensity. We need to be equal in this aspect. Maybe we have more quality, but we need to show this quality. If we want to win the game, we need to show it on the pitch.” He further emphasised the importance of securing points, saying, “It is important to remove the zero from the points table as soon as possible. We have a team that should definitely be competitive during all thirteen games.”
The fixture presents contrasting styles: Wadoo’s disciplined, high-energy defensive approach versus Marquez’s expansive, possession-driven tactics. With Mohammedan SC keen to avoid consecutive defeats and FC Goa looking to reinforce their credentials, the match at Kishore Bharati Krirangan promises to be a competitive encounter.
