South Koreans, Goa XI for repeat show at Mapusa

TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MAPUSA: The re-match is set to be even more exciting, as Archbishop Goa XI look to avenge Sunday’s 1-2 loss to visiting classy South Korean outfit Hallelujah Football Club when they battle at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Thursday at 4 p.m.

In the last encounter Goa took a shock 5^th minute lead through Salgaocar’s Milagres Gonsalves 30-yard strike, but then lost out after Park Han Woonk and Kim Junsung settled the tie in visitors’ favour.

“The atmosphere was amazing, and this did the players a world of good. The crowd really made a difference and we are extremely grateful for their support,” remarked Archbishop Goa XI coach Mathew D’Costa.

Mathew believes that the Mapusa game will also be a good experience for the players to move out of their usual comfort zones and excel. 

The Dempo academy coach stated that fans can expect another great performance from the young Goa team. “We knew our opponents would be technically superior, so we just had to go out and work to our strengths. The boys put maximum effort and you can expect more of the same in the re-match,” reasoned out Mathew.

GFA North vice-president Lavinio Rebello is looking forward for the international exhibition match as it will not only be an opportunity for the local crowd to witness a foreign team, but it could also very well be the last match played on grass at the Duler stadium, before the astro-turf is laid.

“It is an excellent opportunity for the Bardez fans to witness an overseas team and it being a charity game we are expecting a full house,” said Lavinio.

Tickets would be priced from Rs.50 to make it more affordable. The money raised will go to the Saligao Seminary.

 Fr. Jesus Nazareth Rodrigues and Fr. Caitan Fernandes, Dean, Mapusa Deanery have been making all-out efforts so that they also can match what was seen at the Vasco ground. They have the support of the GFA Executive Committee members from Bardez and Ilhas.

The match will provide an oppportuinity for North Goan fans to watch quality football and a capacity crowd could be expected tomorrow, much more so as it is a holiday.

The Korean team had a great session at Chowgule College ground in Margao to make sure that they can entertain the football loving people with some extraordinary performance as they have now settled down from their travel fatigue.

The South Koreans also expect to play Lee Dosong who was in the hospital for three days from the day he arrived.

The Goan team is also expected to further raise their performance, stated GFA vice-president, Elvis Gomes and Kennedy D’Silva.