FC Goa record an emphatic win over Al Shabab
“Reinaldo and Jofre found their names on the scorecard once again as the Goan franchise of the Indian Super League (ISL) beat the former UAE League champions and current GCC Champions 2-1”
Dubai,September 16, 2015: FC Goa beat Al Shabab 2-1 in their second friendly ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season 2, at the Al Shabab stadium in Dubai, on Tuesday evening.
Zico made four changes from the 11 that started in the 2-2 draw against Al Khaleej.LaxmikantKattimani started in between the sticks in place of Elinton Andrade while Narayan Das, PronayHalder and Darryl Duffy were handed starts in place of Debabrata Roy, JoaquimAbranches and ThongkhosiemHaokip.
The hosts hit on the gas early on, but the Goans managed to ward them off before Leo Moura’s cross for NicolauColaco alerted the AL Shabab defense in the eighth minute.
Goa kept a good shape in the defense marshaled by marquee player Lucio despite having to deal with a couple of long efforts from their opponents until the Gaursstarted getting offensive in attack. Reinaldo failed to control Moura’s pass in the 27th minute.
Two minutes later, it was 1-0 in favour of FC Goa with Jofre finding the back of the net through a deflected free-kick in the 29th minute.
The ISL side kept up the ante but Narayan Das was deemed to have fouled an Al Shabab player inside the box, and a result of the converted penalty both teams walked into the lemon break with the scoreline reading 1-1.
Crossing over, it was more of a battle for authority at the center of the park despite a couple of efforts made by FC Goa to move ahead.
Three quick changes for Goa saw Nicolau, who picked a slight injury, get replaced by Keenan Almeida. Jonatan Lucca and Romeo Fernandes came in place of Bikramjit Singh and Duffy respectively.
Jofre was blocked a shot at goal in the 66th minute after linking well with Narayan and on the other side Al Shabab let fly a free-kick from about 30 yards wide of the mark.
The 71st minutes sent the FC Goa fans in Dubai in ruptures as Reinaldo restored his side’s lead with a brilliant finish that was a succeeded from a pass by Romeo who dribbled past two opponents after receiving the ball from Moura.
Chants for Romeo filled the stadium as Al Shabab tried desperately to find a late equaliser and almost did so in the 84th minute off a header.
FC Goa had to survive the remaining minutes with 10 men on the pitch following the marching orders given to skipper Lucio for high boots. Jofre gets his share of the applause, being substituted by Luciano Sobrosa in the 88thminute.
The timings of the Goan side’s remaining matches against Ajmal FC, Al Jazeera Club and Hatta Club at the respective clubs’ grounds on 16, 19, and 20 September respectively, have been revised to 1745, 1730 and 1730 respectively (Dubai local time).
Said Zico, Head Coach, FC Goa “It was good because all the players played around 90 minutes with a good level. This was the most important thing in this match. Many things were good during the matches. There are some things that we have to correct.”
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…