FC Goa became the first ISL team to win the Durand Cup on Sunday.
A delightful left-footed free-kick by captain Edu Bedia in the 105th minute helped FC Goa beat Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 in front of 34,000 spectators at the Salt Lake Stadium.
A free-kick from the left foot of the Spaniard proved to be the difference in a final that was largely devoid of sharpness from either side in the final third.
The first half did not have much of action as both the teams played the waiting game. The only chance that either of the sides could create was by FC Goa. Sanson Pereira linked up well with Alberto Noguera and the former darted behind the Mohammedan backline before cutting back for an onrushing Alexander Romario Jesuraj. The winger though failed to test rival goalkeeper Zothanmawia with his effort.
Mohammedan Sporting tried to use Marcus Joseph and young winger Faisal Ali to launch their attacks. However, they were well shadowed by a disciplined FC Goa.
FC Goa showed more intent after the change of ends. The quality in the final third, though, failed them time and again with a clear-cut opportunity only coming in the second minute of injury time.
Redeem Tlang had the opportunity to seal it for the Gaurs in regulation time after some good work from Devendra Murgaokar in the box had seen him played in. Redeem’s shot, from an acute angle, though, was off the mark.
Mohammedan Sporting, who started on a bright note in the extra-time, nearly got their reward in the opening minutes. Wayne Vaz had a glorious opportunity to give them the lead when he headed from close off a corner. The effort, however, was too close to FC Goa goalkeeper Naveen Kumar.
FC Goa finally got their breakthrough in the final minute of the first half of extra-time. Bedia stepped up to deliver from a free-kick after Noguera was hacked down by Milan Singh near the penalty box. The Spaniard’s curling free-kick, meant for the onrushing FC Goa players, missed everyone and flummoxed Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper Zothanmawia as it skidded off the turf and crept into the far corner.
Stung by the reverse, Mohammedan Sporting pressed hard, leaving acres of space in their own half for FC Goa to capitalise. However, the visitors were let down by lack of sharpness upfront.