FC Goa take on Mohammedan SC in Durand Cup 2022 opener

Goa, August 15, 2022: In what is set to be a repeat of the Durand Cup 2021 final, defending champions FC Goa are all set to lock horns with Mohammedan SC in the opening match of Durand Cup 2022 on Tuesday, August 16.
The Gaurs arrived at Kolkata for the tournament on Sunday ahead of the club’s third campaign at the Durand Cup, having previously played in the 2019 and 2021 editions. So far, the club have remained unbeaten in the tournament and would look to extend their solid run.
The task ahead
Deggie Cardozo, the head coach of FC Goa’s Durand Cup squad is upbeat about the team’s chances in the competition. “Our players have trained well and are in good spirits. They are aware that playing in the prestigious tournament is a good opportunity for them, and are hence keen to create an impact,” he said, ahead of the team’s clash against the Kolkata-based club.
“Our training session on Monday was quite fruitful. The whole squad worked in unison and we were able to discuss some key areas as far as preparation for the games are concerned.”
The Boys in Orange, coming to the tournament also with the tag of the defending champions, are expected to play out their campaign opener in front of packed stands. Cardozo added that this serves as extra motivation for the team.
“We are not under any pressure. Our objectives are clear – be the best versions of ourselves and try to get the trophy back home. Playing in front of the fans would inspire us more and help us remember what we’re here for, and we look forward to having a great match against Mohammedan SC,” he commented.
“We intend to take the three points home on Monday, as that will give us an added boost. Starting on a strong note is important, as it will set the tone for the rest of our campaign.”
The captain speaks
Lesly Rebello, the team captain also weighed in as he said, “We would love to defend our title. Keeping that objective in mind, we have been giving it our all in training and hence we hope to have a good set of games.”
“Another thing that I look forward to is playing in front of the fans. As a footballer, you dream of such situations. On Monday, we intend to make the most out of the opportunity and convert their presence to a motivating factor that will help us go the extra mile for a win and three points,” the 22-year-old added.
The clash between FC Goa and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, and is slated for a 6:00 pm kick-off.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read WIFA Women’s Football League: Sasmita strikes three as PIFA kick off title defense in style
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Senior Women's NFC / Women Football
Urvi and Sakshi shine as Maharashtra clinches second win of Senior Womens NFC
Second half goals from Urvi Salunkhe and Sakshi Hiwale gives Maharashtra a convincing 2-0 victory against Bihar in the ongoing 28th Senior Women’s National Football Championship. Coming on the back…
Spurs in India: Tottenham Hotspur legends Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru
Tottenham Hotspur legends Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles will be visiting India to support a series of events and activities arranged by the Club to engage with fans and promote…
Feature / MFA / MFA Super League / Recommended
Parel’s Pride: Soccer Saga FC’s inspiring climb in Mumbai’s Football Hierarchy
In the bustling heart of Parel, Mumbai, a footballing revolution quietly took root in 2016 when Soccer Saga FC was born. What started as a humble initiative aimed at nurturing…
Hemang Jadhav’s late goal gives Young Guns 1-0 win over Spartans in nail-biting clash
A second half goal from skipper Hemang Jadhav gives Young Guns (Rhema) a hard fought win as the club jumps to 2nd spot in the league table on par on…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Maharashtra Oranje FC claims 4-0 win over JMJ SC
In a surprising turn of events during the Mumbai Premier League encounter, Maharashtra Oranje FC secured a 4-0 win against JMJ SC, but not in the manner they had hoped…
Senior Women's NFC / Women Football
Samrudhi Katkole stars with hat-trick as Maharashtra beat Himachal Pradesh 6-0 in Senior Womens NFC
A hattrick from Samrudhi Katkole and a brace from Aishwarya Jagtap help Maharashtra continue its winning form with a resounding 6-0 triumph over Himachal Pradesh in the ongoing Senior Women’s…
Indian football on the brink of history, agree AIFF president and Arsene Wenger
MUMBAI: AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Mr. Arsene Wenger addressed the media in the city the day after India’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round…
MFA Super League: Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) secures dominant 3-0 win over ICL Youngstars
In a riveting MFA Super League encounter, Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) rode on super sub Vivek Tiwari brace and a goal from Rahul to pick a comprehensive 3-0 victory against ICL Youngstars side.
Hyderabad FC hopes to start afresh as Sea of Yellow awaits to welcome them against KBFC
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 action returns to the hotbed of footballing fandom as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi will witness the clash between the Kerala Blasters FC…
Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal FC seek timely revivals as ISL action resumes post international break
Chennaiyin FC will host East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, November 25, 2023, as the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 action after international break….
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…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…