Panaji: FC Goa clinched a spot in the finals of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 with a narrow 1-0 win over CSD Defensa y Justicia in their semi-final match on Tuesday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
With head coach Manolo Marquez away with the Indian national team, assistant coach Gouramangi Singh led FC Goa for the first time. He made five changes to the starting lineup from their previous game, bringing in Odei Onaindia, Aakash Sangwan, Rowllin Borges, Brison Fernandes, and Dejan Dražić. An injury to Carl McHugh during the warm-up led to Muhammed Nemil being added back into the starting XI.
The game was intense from the start, with Defensa y Justicia applying heavy pressure and aggressive tackles to disrupt FC Goa's play. Despite the challenges, FC Goa maintained their composure and gradually took control with strong defending and organized attacks.
The only goal of the match came in the 39th minute. Albanian striker Armando Sadiku scored his fifth goal in as many games. He received a pass from Rowllin Borges, who had been set up by a cross from Boris Singh. Sadiku controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed it into the top corner, leaving Defensa’s goalkeeper, Gonzalez Maximo, with no chance.
In the second half, FC Goa continued to press for more goals. Dejan Dražić had two good chances but failed to convert them. Late in the match, FC Goa had a chance to put the game beyond doubt when Borja Herrera attempted a long-range shot while Maximo was out of position. Maximo managed to make a dramatic save to keep Defensa y Justicia in the game.
In the closing minutes, Defensa y Justicia pushed hard for an equalizer, but FC Goa’s defense held firm, ensuring their place in the final.
The final of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 will be held on Friday, September 6, at 7:00 pm at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
