DHAKA (Interstat) — Goa (Ind) used an early strike and a late winner to beat Fortis 2-1 in a global football match at Fortis. The visitors opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Jorge Ortiz, then absorbed pressure after Fortis equalized in the second half. Chiki restored Goa’s lead in the 85th minute, and the visitors held on through a tense stoppage-time sequence that included three yellow cards. The result left Goa (Ind) at 1-1 in this competition and 1-2-1 across all competitions. Fortis fell to 0-2 in this competition and 2-2-3 across all competitions. Fortis had entered after a 3-0 loss at Al Qadisiya, while Goa (Ind) had lost to Regar-TadAZ and drawn with Chennaiyin in its previous competition matches. The home side was seeking its first win in the competition.

Goa (Ind) started quickly and was rewarded when Ortiz found the net in the sixth minute. The early goal gave the visitors a platform, and they tried to manage the match from that point. Fortis, playing at home, trailed for much of the first half and went into the break behind. Ortiz, who had played 46 minutes, was substituted at halftime as Goa (Ind) adjusted. Fortis also made a change at the break. The visitors still carried the advantage, but Fortis stayed within reach and began to find more space after the interval. Goa (Ind) used Patre at the break and later brought on Gaonkar, Nemil and Kharbudon, while Fortis introduced Hossen, Ibrahim, Hossain and Bista across the second half.

Fortis pushed for an equalizer and got it in the 78th minute when Rafayel Tudu scored. The goal changed the closing stages and set up a tense final stretch. Goa (Ind) responded and found the decisive moment in the 85th minute when Chiki scored. Chiki’s goal came after a period of Goa pressure, and it forced Fortis to chase again. The home side could not find a second equalizer. Goa (Ind) then made late changes to protect its advantage, including a stoppage-time substitution after Kharbudon’s booking. Fortis pushed numbers forward after the goal, but Goa (Ind) kept its shape and cleared several late deliveries.

The closing minutes were physical and produced a flurry of cards. Fortis’s E. Jallow was booked in the 89th minute and again in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Goa’s R. Kharbudon was booked in the third minute of stoppage time. The match ended with Goa (Ind) protecting its one-goal margin and Fortis unable to convert its late pressure into another goal. Fortis had used all its substitutions by the 73rd minute, leaving the home side with little time to respond after Jallow’s second booking. Goa (Ind) defended with numbers late and slowed the game after Chiki’s winner. The final whistle came shortly after Jallow’s second booking.

Key performances for Goa (Ind) included Chiki with a goal in 90 minutes, Jorge Ortiz with a goal in 46 minutes, and Udanta Singh with an assist in 90 minutes. For Fortis, Rafayel Tudu scored in 25 minutes and Stephen Chukwudi had an assist in 90 minutes. Franchu of Goa (Ind) also had an assist in 44 minutes. The win gave Goa (Ind) its first victory in this competition this season, while Fortis remained without a point in the competition. Goa (Ind) will next face Al Qadisiya, and Fortis will host Regar-TadAZ.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 4-1 Fortis win, and its ELO system gave Fortis a 74.8 percent probability to win. Goa (Ind) had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total of 3 went under the over-under line of 2.5.