MUMBAI, JANUARY 9, 2022 (GPN): One would be forgiven to be taken aback (in a good way) by FC Goa’s performance on Saturday night against Chennaiyin. The Gaurs looked dominant and in complete control of the tempo and their fate.

They had to dig deep against a stubborn Chennaiyin side that has proved to be a tough nut to crack. The Gaurs finally did prevail – on the backs of a wonder goal and what can be considered one of their best displays till date this season.

It wasn’t the best of preparations for FC Goa heading into Saturday’s game as a COVID scare meant that the players had to be in isolation for a period of time. That meant that Derrick Pereira and his men had just one practice session before the game.

“This was a win that we can be proud of,” stated Derrick Pereira following the match. “The conditions heading into the game were less than ideal. Fitness is one thing. Add to it the psychological aspect, one can see how much the odds were against us.

“I’m happy to get my first win, but I’m more happy with the effort that the guys have put in the game. Everyone knew their role and played their part.”

Vital win for FC Goa

The win might have only bumped FC Goa one place up to 8th on the table. The three points though seems to have afforded the Gaurs a second chance to dream about securing a place in the playoffs with only three between FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan, who currently occupy the last playoff spot.

“The three points were vital for us at this stage of the competition,” added Pereira. “This was one of our better displays and this win gives us some much needed confidence going into the second half of the season.

“The defense has become better with each passing game and I feel the clean sheet was well deserved. We have to be better at finishing off the chances we are creating.”

The Gaurs will look to build on the momentum when they launch themselves into the second half of the season on January 14 against NorthEast United.

About FC Goa

FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the current holder of the Super Cup.  Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistently successful teams in the ISL – reaching 4 semi-finals and 2 finals in 7 seasons.

In Season 2019/20, the club won the Hero ISL League Winners Shield, by finishing top of the table in the league stages and became the first-ever club from India to play in the group stages of the AFC Champions League in April 2021.

Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of the few Indian Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. Its U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and India. The system has produced recognizable talents like Liston Colaco, Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello and many more.