It might well have been an Indian Super League match. On Wednesday, ISL teams FC Goa and Bengaluru FC (BFC) will face each other in the second semi-final of the 130th Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium here.
Local favourites Mohammedan Sporting are already in Sunday’s final.
FC Goa are one of the strongest contenders for the title, having won all their matches so far. All eyes will be on Devendra Murgaokar and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, who have been exceptionally good throughout the tournament. They have scored four goals each.
BFC, however, will be no pushovers. Though they have come here without a few of their biggest names, the young side has been playing an attractive brand of football.
They have shown great strength of character and performances of players such as Leon Augustine and Namgyal Bhutia will be closely watched.
FC Goa and BFC qualified for the quarter finals as leaders of their respective groups. While BFC had overcome a gritty Army Green on the road to the semis, FC Goa had an easy 5-1 win over Delhi FC in their quarter final encounter.
BFC coach Naushad Moosa said: “There should not be much difference in the approach from the way we have been playing all these games. We just want to stay positive and give our hundred per cent.
“With Goa, we have to be very careful. It won’t be easy to get back once you concede a goal against a team like FC Goa.”
Ahead of the match, FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando Fenoll said: “For us, the focus is to continue to improve as a team... This is most important, this is our target and my focus tomorrow.”
Kick-off: 6pm
