AGENCIES, SOLAPUR: Goa emerged West Zone champions and qualified for the final round of Santosh Trophy after registering a narrow 1-0 win against Madhya Pradesh in their last group fixture at Solapur, on Monday.
Former FC Goa player Joaquim Abranches scored the all important goal for Goa in the first half.
“I’m very pleased with the performance of our boys. The result says it everything. They gave their best in the tournament so far and
deservingly emerged the West Zone champs,” said a delighted Goa coach Samir Naik.
“We had many chances in the game but I think we got what we wanted and I’m happy for the boys. The ground wasn’t the best, but the boys didn’t complain and did their job,” added Naik.
Knowing only a win could take them into the next round, coach Samir fielded a strong line-up making just one change to his playing XI.
Glen Martins was back in the squad replacing Peter Carvalho in the midfield.
Upfront there was no change in the game plan as Abranches led the attack for Goa with his partner Lalawmpuia.
It was a tale of two halves as Goa totally dominated the first session and had to hold on to their narrow lead in the second half.
Despite poor ground conditions, Goa started brightly and created many clear cut opportunities.
First, Abraches saw his shot blocked by the rival keeper from touching distance and then Lalawmpuia fumbled on a couple of instances with only the keeper at his mercy.
Much to the delight of the team Goa, after many missed chances, Goa finally scored in the second quarter of the game when Lalawmpuia played the ball in the box from the left flank which was met by Abranches, to score the match-winner and his third of the tournament.
In the second half, Madhya Pradesh dominated and tried hard to score the equalising goal but strong Goa defence foiled their every move.
When contacted, GFA President Churchill Alemao congratulated the players, head coach Samir Naik, goalkeeper coach Mario Aguiar, physio Eusebio J Fernandes Technical Director Peter Vales other officials, the support staff, GFA Executive Committee members, the Chairman of the Technical Committee Lavinio Rebello, for the success in the first test and added that the KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida and the KTC staff, the SAG and several others including manager Babush Santarita had also contributed for a great team work, which ultimately enabled Goa to top the group and qualify for the main draw, which is the final test.
“The players gave their best as Goa needed full three points against MP. No doubt it was just a solitary goal victory, indeed a very narrow win. It is time for the coaches and officials to take all the necessary steps to raise the performance, especially in the striking formation because it is goals that matter in the ultimate analysis. The match analysis will throw light on the shortcomings and the areas which need improvement and then it is for the experts to discuss it and suggest measures so that Goa can put up a sterling performance in the main draw as the goal is to regain the Santosh Trophy, for which the players will have to redouble their efforts. May be will have to redraw our strategy, may be will have to have some tough practice matches against strong teams to sharpen the combination skills and if need be even reinforce with some sharp shooters in the formation, with the last call being left to the head coach who will have the final say in the matter,” remarked Churchill.
