PANJIM: After wrapping up the group stages of the ongoing 2023 Durand Cup as the toppers of Group D, FC Goa are set to face fellow-Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The high-voltage encounter, featuring two full-strength teams, will take place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (IGAS) in Guwahati on Saturday. The Gaurs played all of their group games at the same venue.
Both teams are yet to suffer defeat in the competition this season. Chennaiyin FC have the better record between the two sides, having won all three of their Group E matches – against Hyderabad FC, Delhi FC and Nepal-based Tribhuwan Army FC. The Southerners, like Goa, also qualified to the Durand Cup knockouts as group toppers.
The Men in Orange, meanwhile, defeated Shillong Lajong FC 6-0 and Downtown Heroes FC 3-0, along with holding NorthEast United FC to a 2-2 draw in Group D.
“We’ve had a good start to the season, and that has helped in building our confidence as well. We’d now like to keep this going, and head to the ISL on a strong note,” FC Goa Captain Brandon Fernandes said on Friday.
The FC Goa think-tank, led by head coach Manolo Marquez, has so far handed minutes to almost every player in the Club’s Durand Cup squad. New signing Carl McHugh is also expected to play a role for the Gaurs in the knockout stages of the competition.
In defence, the partnership between Odei Onaindia and Sandesh Jhingan continues to attract eyeballs. The pair have conceded just twice so far in the tournament, one of which was an unfortunate own-goal by the Indian international.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC have bolstered their defence by signing Sarthak Golui. The Kolkata-born defender has been roped in by Marina Machans on loan from East Bengal FC.
“I am very excited to start my new journey with Chennaiyin FC and looking forward to meeting my new teammates and everyone involved with the team and can’t wait for a great season ahead,” Golui said.
