FC Goa secure qualification to RFDL National Group Stage following unbeaten campaign in regional stage
Following their 1-0 victory over Sesa Football Academy in their final match of the Goa Qualifiers at the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) on Saturday, FC Goa secured a spot in the next stage of the competition, set to be played at the national level starting later in April.
Makan Chothe scored the only goal of Saturday’s clash to lead the Young Gaurs to the eighth win of their campaign from ten games. With the other two matches ending in draws, they remained unbeaten throughout the regional level prior to qualifying for the RFDL National Group Stage.
In addition to Chothe, Deggie Cardozo’s starting lineup against Sesa featured three other FC Goa First Team members in goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, defender Nikhil Prabhu and midfielder Lalremruata HP.
As the game progressed, Goa established control over the proceedings with Lalremruata and Vellington Fernandes dictating play efficiently from the midfield. The much-deserved breakthrough came in the 39th minute, through Makan Chothe’s goal.
The Manipuri winger capitalised on a defensive gaffe by an opposition player, to win the ball right at the edge of the box before slotting it past the onrushing goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Early on in the second period, the boys in Orange came close to doubling their lead on two separate occasions.
A left-footed volley by Lalremruata beat the ‘keeper but struck the post before it was cleared away. Five minutes later, substitute Saish Gaonkar received a pass inside the six-yard box and attempted a shot, but narrowly missed the target.
The closing stages of the clash saw Sesa FA throw the kitchen sink in search of an equalizer. They also managed to get the ball into dangerous areas on a number of occasions.
Some astute defensive work by Prabhu and captain Rayan Menezes, however, helped the Gaurs preserve their lead as they eventually won 1-0.
With 26 points from 10 matches, FC Goa have hence wrapped up their RFDL Goa Regionals campaign as the table-toppers. Next up for them now, is a Hero 2nd Division League assignment against Hyderabad FC Reserves at the Nagoa Panchayat Ground on Sunday.
Also Read: Resilient all-Indian Mumbai City FC prevail; defeat Chennayin FC 1-0 in Super Cup
Also Read: Farukh Choudhary rises from the ashes ahead of Hero Super Cup semis
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…
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…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
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…