FC: Goa Secured Place in Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024

GOA: FC Goa secured their place in the finals of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentine club Defensa y Justicia in the semi-final clash held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday, (September 3).
The Gaurs, who are also the defending champions, will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Odisha FC and A-League Men side Brisbane Roar FC, which will be held later on the same day.
How has Samit Dravid earned his place in India U-19 Team? His Key Performances With Head Coach Manolo Marquez on duty with the Indian senior Men’s National Team, Assistant Coach Gouramangi Singh took charge of the Men in Orange for the first time. Gouramangi rang in five changes to the starting XI from their previous match against Dempo SC, with Odei Onaindia, Aakash Sangwan, Rowllin Borges, Brison Fernandes and Dejan Dražić coming into the lineup.
A last-minute injury to Carl McHugh during the warm-ups, however, saw Muhammed Nemil reinstated into the starting XI as well. The match was a physical contest right from the outset, with Defensa y Justicia applying pressure and aggressive tackles in an attempt to disrupt FC Goa’s rhythm. However, the Gaurs remained composed, gradually asserting control over the game through disciplined defending and well-organized build-up play. Kevin De Bruyne Dismisses Transfer Speculation, Focused On Manchester City’s Season The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Albanian striker Armando Sadiku found the back of the net, marking his fifth goal in as many games. Advertisement After receiving a pass in the final third, Sadiku was forced to play the ball back to Rowllin Borges under pressure from the Defensa defenders.
Borges then sent the ball wide to Boris Singh, who charged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross into the box. Sadiku, having made his way back into the box by then, expertly controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful volley into the top corner, leaving the Argentinian side’s goalkeeper Gonzalez Maximo with no chance.
The Men in Orange carried their momentum into the second half, creating several more opportunities to extend their lead. Dražić came close on two occasions, but was unable to convert his chances. New Zealand Cricket name replacements for Devon Conway and Finn Allen in central contract list As the match neared its conclusion, FC Goa had a golden opportunity to seal the victory when Borja Herrera spotted Maximo out of position and attempted an audacious shot from inside his own half. However, the Defensa goalkeeper Maximo made a desperate save to keep his team in the match.
The final minutes saw both teams fiercely contesting possession, with the visitors throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. Goa, however, stood firm and managed to see out the game, securing a place in the final. The final of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 will take place on Friday, September 6, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, with the kick-off slated for 7:00 pm IST.
(Pics :ARVIND TENGSE)