ISL 2026-27: Franchu and Chiki Score as FC Goa Beat Inter Kashi to Secure First Win

FC Goa registered their first victory of the MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season with a 2-1 win over Inter Kashi FC at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Sunday. 

Francisco Feuillassier, popularly known as Franchu, and Christian Borrego, or Chiki, scored for the Gaurs as they recovered from an Inter Kashi equaliser to secure all three points. The result ended FC Goa's wait for a first win of the campaign, while Inter Kashi suffered their third defeat of the season. After a relatively cautious first half, the contest opened up following the interval, with both sides finding the net before Chiki's 66th-minute strike ultimately separated them.

Inter Kashi began with attacking intent, looking to exploit opportunities in the final third. Jeetu attempted to connect with an early delivery into the penalty area, but his header went wide. Ayush Chikkara also tried his luck from distance, sending an effort from nearly 25 yards over the crossbar.

FC Goa gradually settled into the contest and began to find greater attacking rhythm. Their breakthrough came in the 32nd minute through Franchu, with Isak Ralte playing a decisive role in the build-up.

Isak drove forward and used his movement to turn away from his marker before setting up Franchu inside the attacking area. The Spaniard kept his composure and side-footed the ball into the bottom corner to put FC Goa ahead.

The Gaurs nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later. Isak attempted to find the far corner with a floated effort, but the ball narrowly missed the target. Despite the missed opportunity, FC Goa went into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead after growing into the game.

Inter Kashi needed a response after the break and found one almost immediately. Just five minutes into the second half, Rosenberg Gabriel delivered an excellent cross from the right, picking out Sumeet Passi inside the penalty area. Passi made no mistake with his finish, slotting the ball past FC Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who was unable to react in time.

The equaliser brought Inter Kashi back into the contest and gave the visitors renewed confidence. They looked to build on the momentum, while FC Goa searched for a way to restore their advantage. Gouramangi Singh's side came close to taking the lead again through a set-piece opportunity. Sandesh Jhingan got on the end of the delivery, but his header went wide.

Chiki restores the Gaurs' advantage

FC Goa responded with an attacking move that proved decisive. Franchu broke through the Inter Kashi defensive lines and played a well-weighted pass towards substitute Muhammed Nemil.

Nemil moved the ball across the penalty area, taking it away from the advancing Albino Gomes and into the path of Chiki. The Spanish forward finished confidently, beating Pratik Chaudhary's attempted block to put FC Goa back in front in the 66th minute.

The goal was Chiki's second of the season and gave the Gaurs a crucial advantage with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Inter Kashi now had to chase the game once again. They attempted to find another equaliser, but FC Goa maintained their defensive organisation and managed the closing stages effectively. The visitors struggled to create the decisive opportunity that could have brought them level for a second time.

The match also saw a disciplinary incident involving FC Goa head coach Gouramangi Singh. The Goa boss was sent off during the closing stages after kicking the ball away in an attempt to delay the restart. Despite the setback on the touchline, FC Goa remained composed on the pitch. The players held their shape and protected the lead until the final whistle, securing a much-needed victory.

The 2-1 result represents an important turning point for FC Goa's early-season campaign. After failing to secure a win in their opening fixtures, the Gaurs finally have three points to show for their efforts. The contributions of Franchu and Chiki were central to the victory. Franchu opened the scoring and then played an important role in creating the move for the winning goal, while Chiki provided the finishing touch after coming into the contest as a substitute. 

Isak Ralte and Muhammed Nemil also made important contributions to the two attacking moves.

For Inter Kashi, the defeat will be disappointing, particularly after their second-half response had brought them level. Passi's equaliser demonstrated their ability to find openings, but they were unable to maintain the momentum after conceding again.

FC Goa will take confidence from a performance in which they responded effectively to adversity and found a decisive goal when the contest was finely balanced. For the Gaurs, the immediate priority will be to build on this first victory and establish greater consistency as the 2026-27 ISL season progresses.