MARGAO: With a spring in their step, Sporting Clube de Goa will lock horns with Bengaluru FC in the second semi-final of the 36th Federation Cup, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here, on Friday. The kick-off is at 7 p.m.
After losing two group games to Mumbai FC and Dempo Sports Club, Sporting Clube managed to turn the tide and beat Royal Wahingdoh 2-1, before coming from behind to upset the mighty East Bengal in a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Bengaluru on the other hand have managed to stay unbeaten so far with victories over Salgaocar, Shillong Lajong and Pune FC, while being held to a draw by Mohun Bagan.
The teams met in the first round of the Federation Cup last year, where Bengaluru triumphed in an amazing 5-3 encounter, but it was Sporting Goa who eventually qualified for the next stage.
With at least one Goan team already guaranteed a place in Sunday’s final, it will be interesting to see if The Flaming Oranje can make it too. Bengaluru who won the I-League last year will be just as much motivated to qualify for the final to try an add to their trophy cabinet, which sets up a cracking encounter for the fans of both sides.
