With FC Goa back in action at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda was the place to be on Saturday — as spirited and passionate fans packed the home stadium creating an “electrifying atmosphere” in the arena.
Scores of fans dressed in pristine blue jerseys waving the saffron flags thronged at the stadium in a celebratory, carnival-like atmosphere, even the wet weather couldn’t stop the fans’ enthusiasm to back their team in their first home game of the season.
The crowd roared its support with some 19,000 odd spectators interspersed with “Forca Goa” chants and with the odd “Mexican” wave, applauded every move Zico’s men built, creating tremendous noise and terrific atmosphere.
Though Arata scored the night’s first goal in the 25th minute for FC Pune City, the crowd forced their way as the 12th man in the stadium to find the home team on level terms in the 33rd minute through Rafael Coelho.
FC Goa have truly managed to make Goa “one”, as football fans irrespective which foreign clubs they support in the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga or even in the Indian I-League; forgetting their rivalries, they all stood together as a voice for FC Goa.
Joffre’s magical touches, Mandar’s dazzling runs and Trindade’s accurate passes — it was a delight to the home fans to see their Gaurs in action.
“FC Goa is our club. And though I support Manchester United, today I have come with my friend who is a Chelsea fan, to watch and cheer for our team FC Goa,” said a local fan, Sandra Fernandes.
“Our Goan lads had a good day today. Mandar and Romeo had a good game but it was even good to see Sahil get some play time,” she added.
Sporadic roars, claps and songs erupted as the Gaurs had their cheeky runs in the rival territory in the entire 90 minutes. At the other end, Brass Band played golden oldies and entertained the West Stand.
As many spectators raced to the venue early afternoon, they were provided with fun, entertainment and games at the “FC Goa FAN ZONE” and the club merchandise counter made a brisk sale.
The first get together of the season at Fatorda ended on a sour note! Ndoye scored a 90th minute match-winner to give FC Pune City a 2-1 win and hand Zico his second successive defeat in the ISL.
Two losses in two matches, the fans still feel it’s too early to come to conclusion. We all know what we did in Season One. With Zico by our side, any day can be a game on!
“It’s just the second game, there are still 12 games left and I believe we will bounce back like we did earlier. We were just unlucky today as we missed a few chances,” said another FC Goa fan Jervis Braganza from Panjim.
It may be recalled, FC Goa have started slowly in the past two seasons, but have made it to the semi-final and final in both the years. FC Goa next play Chennaiyin FC, ATK and Mumbai FC City before they return to their home soil to play their second home match against Kerala Blasters FC on October 24.
