Goa need a point, defending champions Services fail to qualify
Host Goa, after missing a plethora of chances, settled for a 1-1 draw against Chandigarh that leaves them needing at least a point in their final game to make it through the semi-finals.
Goa coach Mateus Costa made four changes to the starting eleven from their previous match. Cajetan Fernandes was relegated to the bench, with Peter Carvalho moving to the midfield from defence and Leny Pereira getting his first start at centre back partnering Melvin Lobo. Goa goalkeeper Agnelo Gomes out with a groin strain was replaced by Melroy Fernandes while Brian Mascarenhas and Aaren D’Silva also got on to the start list.
Goa got off to the perfect start when Aaren D’Silva tapped in a Francis Fernandes cross from inside the box to give the hosts the lead in the 13th minute. Aaren then had another chance to double Goa’s lead but he shot straight at the keeper after being put through on goal by Liston Colaco. The Chandigarh defence led by former Sesa FA defender Gagandeep Singh had a tough time thwarting the Goa attackers.
The second half started with Goa again missing guilt-edge chances, leaving the Goa supporters shaking their heads in disbelief. Liston Colaco, substitute Marcus Mascarenhas and Cajetan Fernandes were all guilty of profligacy in front of goal either shooting wide, freezing inside the box while shooting or delaying their shots allowing the Chandigarh defenders to close them.
Liston Colaco missed the best of the lot. In the 54th minute, after receiving the ball from Brian Mascarenhas on the left, he shot above the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. Again, Liston was the culprit a few minutes later when a nice lay off a header by Marcus Mascarenhas fell just in front of him however his shot off his left foot was saved by the keeper.
Marcus Mscarenhas then had just the goalkeeper to beat after a pass from Liston put him in a one on one situation with the keeper, however, he failed to turn round the keeper and shoot home. He also missed an open header from close range after a cross off a free kick from Nicolau Colaco.
The missed chances came to haunt Goa when Chandigarh skipper Sehjpal Singh curled in a brilliant shot from outside the box past Goa keeper Melroy Fernandes who was way off his line. Melroy then nearly gifted Chandigarh the lead when he failed to clear the ball but Amandeep Singh couldn’t convert the chance.
Soon after the goal, Goa seemed to panic creating several chances, getting players in front but somehow the goal eluded them leaving coach Mateus Costa frustrated on the bench.
At the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, defending champions Services failed to qualify for the semi-finals after losing their second game against Meghalaya. Meghalaya took the lead in the 7th minute when Ernestar Malngiang’s long ball eluded the Services defenders and found an unmarked Nongspung who unleashed a half-volley that crashed into the nylons.
Bisharlang Kharumnuid then made it 2-0 for the North Eastern side in the 76th minute to send the defending champions out of the tournament.
Meghalaya now need a win against Bengal in their final match and would hope Goa lose against Services to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
by Aiff media
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…