MAPUSA: The Goa Football Association is all set to host the West zone qualifiers Santosh Trophy from Sunday as defending champions Services will clash with Gujarat in the tournament opener at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
The first match will kick off at 8.30 a.m.
The defending champions Services are eyeing their second consecutive crown and coach Services head coach Parshuram Salwadi said, “The previous chapter is closed and we will have to start afresh. We must take one game at a time and overcome every challenge.”
Parshuram added that they will not take any team lightly and will give their hundred percent in all the matches.
Meanwhile, Gujarat head coach Dr Swapan Kumar Biswas said it wouldn’t be an easy affair against Services and added, “We are prepared to play. All the boys are our juniors and they will give their best and hope they will bring positive results.”
In the second game, Maharashtra will take on Daman & Diu. Maharashtra Assistant coach Paresh Shivalkar said, “We are very positive about the game and the boys are also confident so we had some plans with the teams and we are hoping to get positive results.”
Maharashtra will bank on their star mideo Alan Dias, who is also leading the side. The former Mumbai FC player is one of the most experienced in the side and will be key in Maharashtra’s run in the competition.
Maharashtra also have a young and upcoming player Aman Gaikwad who will create problems for the opposition.
Daman and Diu team manager Henry said, “We have a young team. Maharashtra will be favorites but in the game of football you may never know and one upset Maharashtra might be out and we might be the team to pull them out.”
