The Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata will host a crucial encounter on Saturday as Mohammedan Sporting looks to secure their first points in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season against former league shield winner FC Goa. Having suffered a narrow defeat in their debut outing against NorthEast United FC, Mohammedan are eager to regroup and put up a stronger performance against a formidable opponent.
Mohammedan’s Russian head coach, Andrey Chernyshov, acknowledged the areas needing improvement, stating, “We need to improve in defensive situations, as well as in attacking ones. We try to change some situations and be better in the next match. Different players adapt differently to circumstances – some take less time and some more than that.”
Meanwhile, FC Goa also seeks their first win after falling to Jamshedpur FC in their opening home match. Their recent record against Kolkata-based teams provides a boost of confidence, with FC Goa having won four out of their last five encounters against East Bengal and Mohun Bagan SG. The sole loss during this period came against Mohun Bagan in the previous ISL season.
FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, acknowledged the hunger within the team to respond to the opening-day defeat, emphasizing, “As we see in the training, the hunger among the players to respond to the defeat in the first game is there. But you cannot promise results. You can only promise that the players will work hard to achieve them. And I feel that on Saturday against Mohammedan SC, they will work hard.”
Marquez, who also manages the senior men’s Indian team, is well aware of FC Goa’s prolific scoring record in ISL history. The Gaurs are just three goals shy of becoming the first ISL team to achieve 350 goals, currently standing at 347 goals. Their away record is equally impressive, with 124 goals scored in away venues, a feat unmatched by any other ISL team. Mumbai City FC holds the second position with 115 away goals.
This encounter promises a captivating match with both teams eager to claim victory. Mohammedan Sporting, aiming for their first points, will face a formidable FC Goa side driven by their recent dominance against Kolkata-based teams. The clash between these two teams is sure to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans across the country.
