look news india
Kolkata, September 21 (HS). FC Goa and Mohammedan SC will clash for the first time in the Indian Super League (ISL) this evening at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
FC Goa have won four of their last five matches against Kolkata teams, but the Gaurs' only defeat came against Mohun Bagan Super Giants earlier this year. The Gaurs have also done well in away matches in Kolkata, winning their last two matches against East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants.
ISL debutants Mohammedan SC put up a valiant performance in their first match but lost to NorthEast United FC thanks to a 94th-minute goal by Aladin Azraai. Similarly, FC Goa lost to Jamshedpur FC thanks to an injury-time goal by Jordan Murray.
According to Mohammedan SC's Russian head coach Andrey Chernyshov, both his defensive and attacking players will need some extra time to counter the opponents in the ISL.
Chernyshov said, “We need to improve both defensive and offensive aspects. We try to adapt to the circumstances and perform better in the next match. It is not easy for foreign players to adjust here. Every player adapts to the circumstances in his own way, some adapt quickly, some late.”
FC Goa's Spanish head coach Manolo Marquez gave an injury update as the Gaurs will be missing several star players in the upcoming few matches. He also said that the team is working hard to recover from the defeat in the first match.
He said, “The players are hungry to take revenge for the defeat in the first match. But you cannot guarantee victory. The players will work hard to win. I think they will work hard against Mohammedan SC on Saturday. It cannot be said whether we will win or not, but we will give our 100% effort.”
“Mohammad Yasir has suffered a major injury and is out for a month. Not all our injured players will be available before the October FIFA break window. Yasir, Sandesh Jhingan and Iker Guarrotxena might be available right after the international break,” Marquez said.