Team Herald
MUMBAI: FC Goa are no strangers to heartbreak in the Indian Super League final. In 2015 a late surge by Chennaiyin FC saw FC Goa lose out on the title after a well contested match. Mandar Rao Dessai, who was part of that FC Goa team, is now captaining the Gaurs as they look to banish the ghosts from that fateful day.
The Gaurs will clash with Bengaluru FC in the final today at the Mumbai Arena stadium, Mumbai at 7.30 p.m.
Goa have been prolific in front goal, scoring 41 goals so far in the competition. Sergio Lobera has also worked out a solution to Gaurs’ frailties at the back, making them a more balanced side.
“I remember that day (the final in 2015) very well. We went down 3-2. We try to keep a lot of possession nowadays and wait for opportunities to attack. Before this, it was a lot more direct. We were not keeping balls that much. But things have changed now. We have to keep our focus and we can do it on Sunday,” Mandar stated.
Mandar, who started off as a winger, has made himself indispensable as the left-back now and credits coach Sergio Lobera for the same.
“Coach believed in me that I can play as a left-back. I try to improve in every game so that I can help my team,” he added.
Goa have in their arsenal the league’s topscorer – Ferran Corominas – who has scored 16 goals this season and led the team’s charge to the final. The Spaniard, who has struggled against Bengaluru FC, is keen to make amends.
“It’s true that I haven’t scored against Bengaluru FC this season. Me and my teammates got some chances (but couldn’t score). But this game is different. We are ready and excited about the final,” said Corominas.
All in all, a terrific tussle awaits the fans on Sunday and it remains to be seen whether it is Bengaluru FC or FC Goa who banish the ghosts of their past.
Last season’s final ended in heartbreak for Bengaluru FC with Chennaiyin FC emerging 3-2 victorious at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. It was doubly painful for Bengaluru FC midfielder Dimas Delgado who was forced to withdraw from the game after suffering an injury in the first-half.
The Spanish midfielder watched helplessly as his team went down in front of their fans. He now has a chance to make amends for that painful experience when the Blues take on FC Goa at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.
“It’s always nice to reach a final and I am glad that this team has worked hard to reach this game. It means especially more to me because I had to leave the pitch during the game last year and I am sure we will give our best,” he added as Bengaluru look for their first ever ISL title.
—
Strengths and weaknesses
Bengaluru FC
Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh’s abilities and the goals they come up with are very well known. It’s massive for them that Miku’s back. They’ll be missing Erik Paartalu who is a big part of their squad. They have been performing well from last season but somehow, in the last three, four games, their midfield and defence have made a few mistakes.
FC Goa
Ahmed Jahouh – makes everything tick. In his own admission, he had a poor 2nd leg of the semi-final. Edu Bedia is always a threat and there is Lenny Rodrigues in there. You can’t forget Ferran Corominas. Their front three have been brilliant all season – Brandon Fernandes, Corominas and Jackichand Singh. They’ve got an understanding and belief that every time they attack, they will score goals. It’s going to be a big test for Bengaluru’s defence.
