FC Goa’s Indian Super League 2023-24 season was marked by a series of “what ifs” as the Gaurs launched their campaign with impressive momentum. They enjoyed a remarkable 12-match unbeaten streak and held the top spot in the table for a significant period. However, a series of challenging results eventually led them to lose their lead and fall short of securing the League Shield.

Despite making it to the semi-finals, the Gaurs were unable to capitalise on their strong position in the first leg despite leading 2-0, losing the tie against Mumbai City FC and suffering another defeat in the second leg.

The focus for head coach Manolo Marquez will be to address last season’s inconsistencies, particularly in the crucial latter stages. And with new signings bolstering the squad, FC Goa will be determined to end their title drought. 

The team has shown promising signs, having secured the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy in the pre-season, and is poised to build on their formidable performance from the previous year.

Season	Outcome
2014	2nd position (Lost in semi-final)
2015	1st position (Lost in final)
2016	8th position
2017-18	3rd position (Lost in semi-final)
2018-19	2nd position (Lost in final)
2019-20	1st position (Won Shield but lost in semi-final)
2020-21	4th position (Lost in semi-final)
2021-22	9th position
2022-23	7th position
2023-24	3rd position (Lost in semi-final)

Team composition and transfer dealings 

FC Goa face a significant challenge with some key players departing during the summer transfer window, and it will be interesting to see how the team adapts to their absence. Among the notable departures are Brandon Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, and Carlos Martinez. 

Fernandes, who was pivotal in midfield, created the most chances for the team last season and had been a consistent performer in previous seasons. Sadaoui, their top goalscorer last season, also contributed significantly in terms of goals. Meanwhile, Carlos Martinez, was their second-highest goalscorer, highlighting the impact of these departures.

On the flip side, FC Goa has made several impressive signings, particularly bolstering their attacking options. Two standout additions are Armando Sadiku, former Mohun Bagan Super Giant striker and ISL Shield winner, and former player Iker Guarrotxena. Both have had a taste of Indian football and possess a good track record in the league.

Transfers In

Borja Herrera, Sahil Tavora, Laxmikant Kattimani, Armando Sadiku, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Alan Saji, Dejan Drazic, Iker Guarrotxena, Mohammad Yasir, Rowllin Borges, Muhammad Hammad, Lara Sharma, Aakash Sangwan.

Transfers Out

Devendra Murgaonkar, Arshdeep Singh, Leander D'Cunha, Raynier Fernandes, Paulo Retre, Brandon Fernandes, Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez, Noah Sadaoui, Dheeraj Singh, Sanson Pereira, Saviour Gama.

Key players 

Armando Sadiku

The FC Goa forward has been on a scoring spree since his transfer, finding the net in every match he played during the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy and playing a key role in securing the trophy for the Gaurs. Sadiku was also instrumental for Mohun Bagan SG, where he contributed eight goals and an assist during their Shield-winning campaign, despite not starting regularly for the Mariners. 

As he heads into the new ISL season, Sadiku will be eager to maintain his impressive pre-season form and aim to not only to demonstrate his quality once again, but also to prove his former club wrong.

Sandesh Jhingan 

Jhingan played a pivotal role in FC Goa’s impressive start to the 2023-24 season, helping them maintain the top spot for much of the first half of the campaign. His partnership with Odei Onaindia was crucial, with the India international emerging as a key senior leader for the team.

Unfortunately, Jhingan’s season was cut short due to an injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup, which had a significant impact on the team in the latter half of the season. The Gaurs struggled defensively in crucial matches, and his absence was strongly felt. As he returns, Jhingan will be eager to resume his strong form and help the team back to their best.

Head coach

Marquez is already a prominent figure in Indian football, having been part of the ISL since the 2020-21 season. Prior to joining FC Goa, he led Hyderabad FC to two playoff appearances and an ISL Cup during three seasons with the club. 

Last season, Marquez guided FC Goa to the semi-finals and despite falling short of both the League Shield, they emerged as strong contenders. The Gaurs held the top position in the league for a significant portion of the season, longer than any other team.

In July, Marquez was appointed head coach of the Indian national team while retaining his role at FC Goa, making it interesting to see how he will balance these dual responsibilities. A defining feature of the teams he has coached has been their knack for scoring goals while remaining defensively robust and Marquez's impact was clear last season. The Gaurs conceded just 21 goals, the second-best defensive record in the league, and scored 39 goals, trailing only Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC.

Fixtures

FC Goa will begin their campaign with a home match against Jamshedpur FC and then travel to Kolkata to face Mohammedan SC, followed by East Bengal FC. 

A notable challenge will come in Matchweek 5, where they will take on Mumbai City FC in a rematch of last season’s semi-final. 

Another significant test will be their final match of 2024, where they will host the defending Shield winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

To see their full fixtures, click here.