23-01-2014 … An own Goan sealed the Goa-India football team’s fate against Mozambique despite a crowd ferociously egging the home team to win right from the time they hit the Tilak Maidan turf wearing their new yellow Kit.
The home team started the game with a bang and created multiple chances in the first 10 minutes. Brandon Fernandes displayed great prowess with his set piece play.
Mozambique even missed a penalty in the first half, but were gifted an own goal in the second half which was enough for them to win the match 1-0.
The win also brought Mozambique on level with India in Group B standing. Group leaders were then decided through a system of draw.
India was drawn as the group winner and will play the runner up team from Group A that will be decided tomorrow after the match between Sao Tome and Macau.
Speaking in the post match press conference, Mr. Francisco Neto, Head Coach, Team Goa-India, said, “I’m happy with my Team’s performance today. They created many chances and their set piece game was good. In the last edition, we conceded 18 goals and scored only 2 and now we are serious contenders. I’m proud of the boys and I hope Goa is also proud of them.”
When asked about the fans at the stadium and their chants, the delighted winning Coach, Augusto Matine, said, “We like the crowd and take their chants in a good spirit. It’s a big advantage for the home team but it also helps my team to learn and build spirit of competition in the game.”
