PANJIM: Defending champions FC Goa play Jamshedpur FC in the Durand Cup 2022 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday, they would look to ride on the momentum gained from victory in their last match against Indian Air Force.
The young Gaurs, however, started on the backfoot when they lost their opener to Mohammedan Sporting Club.
Deggie Cardozo’s boys are currently placed third in Group A, behind Mohammedan SC and Bengaluru FC, who have six points apiece.
A win against Jamshedpur will take FC Goa to six points besides boosting their goal difference which could make all the difference in the final analysis.
FC Goa could well ensure qualification to the knockout stage if they win both remaining matches — against Jamshedpur FC on Friday and against Bengaluru FC next Wednesday.
The task is tough but head coach Deggie Cardozo remains hopeful.
“The way I see it, we know exactly what we need to do to qualify. We have been preparing accordingly and we hope to do well tomorrow. We did not get off to a fine start at the Salt Lake Stadium a few days ago, but we’re confident that it won’t happen again,” Cardozo said.
“We’ve had a few days to prepare since our last match. The boys got ample time to recover and return to training. Our players are all fit and raring to go, and are aiming for nothing less than three points.”
Friday’s opponents Jamshedpur FC began their Durand Cup campaign on August 17, with a defeat against Bengaluru FC. Youngster Rishi Rajput’s goal was one of the many highlights in the game.
Their second outing wasn’t any better as Carlos Santamarina’s side went down 0-3 to Mohammedan SC. Jamshedpur, find themselves with backs to the wall and are expected to make a last-ditch attempt to stay in the tournament.
“The loss against Mohammedan Sporting felt bad because we knew we could have done better. But we’re no longer thinking about what happened so far. The focus is on the task ahead,” midfielder Lalremruata HP said.
Having faced Jamshedpur FC four months earlier in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), forward Delton Colaco has a fairly good idea about Friday’s opponent. “Back then, we lost but it was completely down to individual mistakes. We, as a team, have progressed a lot since then. Hence, I’m confident that we’ll do well tomorrow and secure the second win of our Durand Cup campaign,” he said.
