Santosh Trophy: I will walk out next day if they play like this – Armando Colaco
It was a stunning performance by the Mizoram team in the second half that saw them register a huge upset win over the pre-tournament favourites Goa, who incidentally can be termed as the strongest team on paper with a coach of a stature of Armando Colaco, who has been the mainstay to record glory that the legendary Goan club Dempo achieved so far. We from FootballCounter investigated the reason behind Goa’s shocking loss and had a nice conversation with the Mizo coach Lalsangzuala Hmar who was really proud of the way his boys dominated. Let’s take a journey to the fallout of Mizoram’s scintillating win over Goa as both teams will look for a win in their next fixtures,today:
What Mr. Armando Colaco had to say regarding his boys’ performance ?
“I am still saying this is the best team we have got; somehow today they couldn’t perform the way they used to in the practise matches. I really don’t have an answer to it as both myself and the other players were shocked. Even the boys broke down after the match and this is not what I wanted from them. ” said Colaco when quizzed about what went wrong in the second half. “ I really don’t know what happened in the second half. They were kicking aimlessly with no movement at all after the goal; they didn’t know what to do. That’s not the football that Armando Colaco likes. I don’t know whether it is the food, weather or anything else that hampered their gameplay but I’m really shocked with the performance”.
The legendary coach seemed upbeat about his team’s chance as there’s enough time to turn things around for the Goans. “Yes these type of competitive opening game sets the tone to do better in the upcoming matches. They have to show a lot of character and come back strong in the upcoming matches. Hats off to the way Mizoram boys played. Lucky we didn’t concede more goals . I told the boys I would walk away next day if they continues to play like this but then again I’m really surprised and shocked.”
When tickled about the time constraints and preparation ahead of the tournament Colaco brushed aside smartly saying “They trained 15 days under me but that’s not an excuse unless they are too tired playing football which I presume they aren’t; I take the entire blame for this result.”
Mizoram’s side of the story!
Mizoram coach Lalsangzuala Hmar cut across as a happy figure after his side’s emphatic win. He was pleased with the way his boys responded to the change of conditions. “ The ground here is little bit harder than the artificial turf of Aizawl where we trained for the tournament. It was tough for us to cope up to the changes since this was our first match and I’m happy with the performance.”
When asked about what spurred the second half blitz from the Mizo boys Hmar said “We didn’t have an idea about the Goa team except for their coach (laughing); so we held our composure in the first half and studied their game well. We changed the tactics in the second half after analysing and it brought us results”.
Second half saw a plenty of incisive run down the right flank by the seasoned campaigner Lalbiakhlua, the former Aizawl FC and current Mizoram Police FC ,who was playing his 7th Santosh Trophy as the winger exploited the fragility of Goan defense from the left .
When quizzed about was it a conscious decision to target the left back of Goa in the second half the confident Mizoram coach stated – “ Exactly! The first 15 minutes when I observed ,I saw there’s a plenty of free space between the centre back and their wing back and that’s what we capitalised on in the next half as I told my boys to exploit that huge gap and use the blind sight to switch places after our forward goes in through that gap. We were a bit unlucky not to get more goals ,but I’m definitely happy with my boys performance” .
With 6 players from Chhinga Veng F.C. in Mizoram Premier League who plays together regularly, the co-ordination between the Mizo boys was evident and it was heart-warming to watch them play as an unit. “ Unfortunately we missed 3 regular Micoram Police FC players who couldn’t be with the team due to Mizoram Police training, but we want to put that behind and look forward” gushed the Mizoram tactical king who obtained his coaching license from former Indian team manager Savio Medeira.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
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…