In their inaugural match in the Indian Super League (ISL), Inter Kashi showcased a strong performance, managing to secure a 1-1 draw against the reigning AIFF Super Cup champions, FC Goa, at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Saturday.

Despite dominating possession and creating more scoring opportunities, FC Goa could only achieve a draw. Inter Kashi initially took the lead with a goal from Prasanth Karuthadathkuni in the second minute of stoppage time (45+2'). FC Goa equalized through a penalty converted by Dejan Drazic in the 84th minute. Inter Kashi's goalkeeper, Lluis Tarres, received a red card for a foul on Muhammed Nemil inside the penalty area, leading to the penalty. Drazic was awarded the Player of the Match title.

First Half Highlights

The match kicked off with high energy. Alfred Planas was quick to test FC Goa's goalkeeper, while Brison Fernandes forced a significant save from Kashi's keeper. Inter Kashi appeared dangerous during set-pieces, with Rohit Danu's shot saved and Narender Gahlot's follow-up blocked within the six-yard box.

As the game progressed, FC Goa began to take control, patiently moving the ball and probing the flanks. In the thirty-fourth minute, Nemil's left-footed shot from inside the box was impressively tipped over by Tarres as FC Goa ramped up the pressure.

Just when it seemed the first half would end without a goal, Inter Kashi struck in stoppage time. Prasanth Karuthadkuni made a well-timed run and finished calmly with his left foot into the bottom right corner, assisted by Tomba Singh, catching the home side off guard.

Second Half Developments

FC Goa returned to the field with renewed determination, pushing higher up the pitch and testing the Inter Kashi defense. Udanta Singh attempted a long-range shot near the hour mark, while Nemil and Brison Fernandes searched for openings. Sandesh Jhingan's header went wide, and Drazic narrowly missed as the pressure on the debutants increased. However, Tarres remained vigilant, saving Drazic's angled shot in the seventy-fifth minute to maintain the lead.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 80th minute when Nemil was fouled inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for FC Goa. During the incident, Inter Kashi's goalkeeper Lluis Tarres received a red card, leaving the team with ten players. Shubham Dhas was substituted in as the new goalkeeper.

Drazic confidently converted the penalty into the bottom left corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

Final Minutes and Conclusion

With a numerical advantage in the final ten minutes, FC Goa intensified their efforts to find a winning goal. Pol Moreno's close-range header was saved by Dhas in stoppage time, and Raynier Fernandes headed over as FC Goa pushed forward in the dying moments.

Despite being a man down, Inter Kashi held firm, displaying strong defensive organization to secure a crucial first point in their ISL debut.