PANJIM: Taking over the reign from Sergio Lobera, FC Goa Interim Coach Clifford Miranda saw an unbeaten start to his life as a gaffer being ended in the knockout stage with a dismal 1-4 defeat against their bitter rivals Chennaiyin FC in the first leg semi-finals in Chennai.
The result leaves Clifford’s Gaurs with a mountain to climb at Fatorda to overcome the three goal deficit.
Earlier only two teams – FC Goa in 2016 and Bengaluru FC in 2018 had managed to overcome first leg defeats and progress to the finals.
However, that was just a goal margin! But the size of the task at hand has been laid bare! Today FC Goa face toughest task of their Indian Super League campaign as no team have ever progressed to the finals after suffering a defeat in the first leg with goal margin of two or more.
The Gaurs must end an incredible play offs record against Chennaiyin, against whom they are yet to record a win in their last four meetings, if they are to overturn their first leg defeat and reach their third final. You also cannot forget the two-time champions are on a nine games unbeaten run, the longest in the Indian Super League.
Gama’s late goal in the first leg can be a ‘Saviour’ for the Gaurs as they now have to score thrice and not allow their leaky defence to concede any.
It’s difficult but not impossible! If Liverpool’s 42 games unbeaten run in the premier league was ended by Watford last week; FC Goa can very much end their winless streak against Chennaiyin FC this weekend.
As one thing which favours the Gaurs is their terrific and mind blowing home record is that the side have been unbeaten in their last six games. Another stat which could help the home side is their goal scoring record (23) while they have conceded just eight. Meanwhile, playing away, their opponents have an average tally of 16 goals also conceding equal figures.
The availability of their full strength is another advantage for Clifford as Edu Bedia, who returned from Spain, and first leg absentees due to injuries — Hugo Boumous and Brandon Fernandes trained with the team and are fit to play on Saturday.
While the fans feel it’s already a lost course, the Gaurs gaffer isn’t the one to easily throw away the towel and the Gaurs are ready to battle against the two-times champs.
“We knew, there is one game back home, in our own stadium, where we are more than comfortable to get a result in our favour. We will try everything we can to get a result in our favour,” stated Clifford Miranda while addressing the pre-match conference at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Friday.
“It was really difficult for me because I got an injury the week before the first leg. My team lost 1-4 against a difficult team. It was very tough. But I think that we have the quality in the team. We have great players. I am confident that we can come back if we can manage the game in defence, and in attack. We need to score from the chances that we get,” said a confident looking Hugo while addressing the pre match conference.
FC Goa will look to start with their regular line up with Coro and Hugo leading the pack. Jahouh and Lenny are favourites to start in the midfield and Brandon with return in the left wing with Jackichand at right. The back four is likely to remain the same with Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai with Mohamad Nawaz under the bar.
“When we are on song, we score lot of goals and create a lot of chances, which is very important. I am hoping that against Chennaiyin we will get lots of chances, because we will play an offensive game,” he added.
It’s not just the goals the Gaurs will have to look at, but also the fact that Ferran Corominas and Mourtada Fall should be cautious with their antics as the duo are already on bookings and another yellow will see them potentially miss the final
