Brisbane Roar earn last-four spot after decisive 2-0 victory over Sporting Clube
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
FC Goa clinched a 2-1 victory over Dempo SC in their final group stage match of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024, on a warm Friday evening at Ella Ground in Old Goa. This win allowed FC Goa to finish the group stage with a perfect record, making them the top team in Group A and securing their spot in the semi-finals.
FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, made six changes to the starting lineup, giving game time to players like Laxmikant Kattimani, who was returning to the club, Nim Dorjee, and several young players including Muhammed Nemil and Ayush Chhetri.
The match began with Dempo SC putting early pressure on FC Goa’s defense. However, FC Goa soon took control of the game. Boris Singh nearly scored after a precise cross from Borja Herrera, but his shot just missed the target.
In the 16th minute, FC Goa’s new striker, Armando Sadiku, made his mark. Ayush Chhetri provided a perfect pass to Sadiku, who calmly scored past the Dempo goalkeeper to give FC Goa a 1-0 lead.
The goal boosted FC Goa’s confidence, and they continued to press forward. Boris Singh and Sadiku teamed up again in the 37th minute, but this time, the shot went just over the bar. Despite FC Goa’s pressure, Dempo SC’s defense remained strong, and the first half ended with FC Goa leading 1-0.
In the second half, FC Goa made a tactical change, bringing on Dejan Dražić for Borja Herrera. However, Dempo SC equalized in the 59th minute when Shubham Rawat scored after a defensive mistake, leveling the match at 1-1.
FC Goa responded quickly. Just three minutes after Dempo’s goal, Dražić took a free-kick from over 30 yards out. His initial shot was punched away by the Dempo goalkeeper, but Dražić followed up with a volley that was redirected into the net by Ayush Chhetri at the near post. This goal was Chhetri’s first for FC Goa and restored their lead.
With the score at 2-1, FC Goa continued to dominate and create chances. Substitute Aakash Sangwan nearly scored a third goal, but his shot at the far post narrowly missed. In the final moments of the match, Carl McHugh’s long ball found Alan Saji, but his shot was saved by the Dempo goalkeeper.
The match ended with FC Goa celebrating their victory. They won all three of their group stage matches and conceded only one goal. FC Goa will now face the runner-up of Group B in the semi-final, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
In the day's other match at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Brisbane Roar secured a 2-0 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa to advance to the semifinals. All goals were scored in the first half.
Brisbane Roar dominated possession throughout the match, showing greater precision in both attack and defense. Despite Sporting Clube de Goa's physical approach and frequent fouling, Brisbane Roar found their breakthrough in the 40th minute when Louis Zabala placed a well-placed shot into the far corner of the net.
Although Brisbane Roar had several scoring opportunities, Sporting Clube de Goa's goalkeeper, Kunal Kundaikar, made crucial saves to keep his team in the game. In added time, in the 45+4 minute, Harry Van Der Saag extended Brisbane Roar's lead with a header from a free kick, giving his team a 2-0 advantage.
Brisbane Roar continued to press for more goals, but their forwards were unable to capitalize on additional chances. Kunal Kundaikar remained busy in goal for Sporting Clube de Goa, making several more important saves. During the match, Brisbane Roar's coach, Ruben Zadkovich, was cautioned with a yellow card by referee Sunil Nanodkar for dissent.
