Fans excited for FC Goa homecoming

Goa, November 1, 2022: FC Goa have gotten a near-perfect start to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season, winning twice in three matches. And now, the excitement surrounding the team is at an all-time high with the Gaurs finally set to step out on their home soil.
On Thursday, the Gaurs, currently placed at fifth on the points table, will look for their third win when they take on Jamshedpur FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. While it’s an important day for the Club, the same applies to their fans too, as they have been waiting for this moment for over two years now.
“Words cannot describe how we missed watching our team at our Fatorda Fortress. I’m counting down the days now, and Thursday can’t seem quite close enough yet, I just can’t wait to be back,” Blythe Pereira, an FC Goa fan said.
His friend, Afton da Costa, recollected his matchday routine from over two years ago, when fans were last allowed to watch an ISL game from the stands.
“Whenever my team was playing at Fatorda, I used to leave early from home to the stadium so that I wouldn’t get stuck in rush-hour traffic. On the way, I would join other fans in their celebrations, waving flags and singing songs. Almost always, I would arrive at the stadium even before the gates could officially be opened and hence, I would participate in different games and activities that were held outside.
“As soon as the gates open, we would rush in, so as to not miss any action – including the warm-ups! I’ve had so many memorable moments that it feels unfair to pick one and call it the best,” he further added.
COVID-19 changed everything
Come November 3, it would be 972 days since FC Goa last played a match in front of fans at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda. Fans have bittersweet memories of that clash – although the Gaurs won 4-2 over Chennaiyin FC in what was the second leg of the semi-finals, the Marina Machans advanced to the final on aggregate, having won the first leg 4-1.
“A lot of things have changed since then,” reflected Shery Joseph, another fan of the Club, and rightly so. For starters, Carlos Pena, who played for FC Goa at the time, is now the club’s head coach.
“I was always awed by the trio of Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous and Ferran Corominas. The last time I was at Fatorda, they ran riot against opposition teams. Sadly now, only Edu remains.”
New season, new hopes
“FC Goa has never been a team that dwells on its weaknesses. They first replaced Coro with Igor Angulo, who finished the 2020-21 season as top-scorer. Among their current set of players, Alvaro Vazquez, Iker Guarrotxena and Noah Sadaoui all look promising,” he further explained.
And this aspect is what excites Nikitha Fernandes, as she looks forward to greeting her favourite team at the Fatorda Fortress on Thursday. “We’ve gotten a fine start to the season, winning both of our first two matches. Although we lost to Hyderabad, our performance against them was promising,” she said.
“We were unlucky in some ways – but as the saying goes, ‘fortune favours the brave’. We are a brave team, confident in both defence and attack. We have some exciting names in our side.
“It is to be noted they played only away games so far and still did quite well, just imagine how well they would perform with us painting our Fortress in orange!” she hoped.
Also Read: Carlos Pena: At Fatorda, I want fans to make life difficult for the opponents
For more trial-related updates click : Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…