Preview: FC Goa take on Jamshedpur FC in first home game of season
Goa, November 1, 2022: FC Goa will look to get back to winning ways in their first home of the season as they welcome defending Shield champions Jamshedpur FC to their backyard. The Gaurs go into this on the back of a defeat to Hyderabad, but six points from the first nine also represents their best start to the season since 2017-18.
The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa awaits a night that the Goan faithful have waited on for much long as the Gaurs go marching in to play their first home match in front of their fans for the first time in 972 days. Interestingly, Carlos Pena, who was a part of the XI when they last played in front of packed stands at Fatorda, is currently the club’s head coach.
Currently positioned fifth in the standings, a win over Jamshedpur FC will propel Pena’s boys to second place. In a league that becomes increasingly competitive with each gameweek, early wins are important for the side to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Gaffer Speaks
“Jamshedpur FC are a good side. They may have a new coach and may have lost some key players – but more importantly, they’ve managed to retain their core,” Carlos Pena said in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“They played well to draw against Mumbai City and win against NorthEast United, who are also tough teams to face. This shows their quality. That said, we’re quite confident of ourselves too, and we know that we can beat anyone if we turn up on the pitch as the best versions of ourselves.”
The tactician also expressed great happiness in returning to play in front of fans at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda.
“The last time we played in front of the fans there, I was part of the team. It feels wonderful to have returned as the coach. I have only good memories and I’m eagerly looking forward to making more of those,” he commented.
The Task Ahead
Jamshedpur FC are not an unfamiliar foe for FC Goa, having faced them in a pre-season friendly in September. Their defence, led by Peter Hartley and Eli Sabia, were one of the best in the league last season and they are sure to provide the Goan frontline a sturdy test.
While the Men of Steel would miss the services of ISL 2021-22 Golden Ball winner Greg Stewart who shifted base to Mumbai City, they have been able to find adequate replacements in Wellington Priori and Jay Emanuel Thomas.
Jamshedpur, under Boothroyd, are exponents of direct football, which involves getting the ball to their strikers as quickly and directly as possible. In Daniel Chukwu and Harry Sawyer, the Men of Steel has quite the firepower up front that helps them to be effective with this playing style.
FC Goa surely has the talent and quality in their squad to hold Boothroyd’s men at bay. The Men in Orange have conceded just once from open play so far. In attack, the likes of Noah Sadaoui, Alvaro Vazquez and Iker Guarrotxena have troubled opposition defences well, and more of the same can be expected on Thursday.
For more trial-related updates click : Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
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…
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…
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…