Goa and Kerala face off in the Sunday night encounter of the Indian Football League 2020-21 to find its first win of the season. Both sides had appeared in two draws and one loss.
Match Timings: Dec 06, 7:30 PM
Match Preview
Goa is failing to replicate its last season’s performance in 2020-21 after a woeful start. In the first three matches, the Hosts earned two points, including a defeat. In the previous outing, Northeast held them for a 1-1 draw. Northeast started the scoring after earning the penalty in the first half. Former Queens Park Rangers striker Idrissa Sylla helped Northeast to take a 1-0 lead. The advantage didn't last long as Juan Ferrando’s side scored the equaliser three minutes later. Brandon Fernandes delivered the cross for Igor Angulo and the Spanish Striker scored the leveler avoiding any mistake. At the halfway mark of the game, the scoreline read 1-1.
The second half was more intense but both sides failed to find a winner. Brandon Fernandes managed to get an assist to his name, and he dominated Northeast’s defense. It's a good sign for Goa as the Indian midfielder missed the first two matches due to injury but came like a pro. Ferrando will have a lot to ponder upon after remaining winless from the first three games. The Gaurs desperately need to find three points to catch the momentum this season. Goa will also miss Tlang who has been handed over the suspension for one more game.
Meanwhile, Kerala also have the same story after picking two points from the first three matches. After starting the season with a 1-0 loss top Mohun B, Kerala came close to get three points but slipped in the end. In the second game, they dropped points after scoring twice in the second half, and in a recent outing, they shared the spoils with Chennai. Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes saved a fine penalty from Jakub Sylvestr to avoid the second loss of the season.
Kibu Vicuna would surely look forward to finding a way to give this season a winning momentum. Hopper requires more time in the ground and Vicuna needs to think about this effort. Ahead of this important clash, the Yellow suffered a big blow as captain Sergio Cidoncha has been ruled out for an extended period of time. The Spanish midfielder suffered an ankle injury against Chennai.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Goa 
Mohammad Nawaz; Seriton Fernandes, Donachie, Gonzalez, Gama; Edu Bedia, Rodrigues, Brandon Fernandes; Alexander, Angulo, Jorge Ortiz
Current form – D L D
Previous outing – 1-1 draw with Northeast
Kerala 
Lineup: Albino, Costa, Kone, Jessel, Prashant, Sahal, Cidoncha, Vicente, Ritwik, Nong, Hooper
Current Form: DD L 
Previous outing – a goalless draw with North East  
Key Players
Goa
Brandon Fernandes
2 goals & 7 assists in Indian Football League 2019-20 
Igor Angulo
12 goals in Ekstraklasa 2019-20 
3 goals in Indian Football League 2020-21 
Kerala 
Gary Hooper
2 goals in pre-season 
1 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21 
Sergio Cidoncha
1 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21
