MARGAO
Brisbane Roar have a chance to secure their place in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy Semi-Finals as they take on Sporting Clube De Goa in their final Group A match, scheduled for Friday night at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Currently sitting second in their group, the Roar have had a mixed tournament so far, with a dominant 5-1 victory over Dempo in their opening game, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to FC Goa. Sporting Clube De Goa, on the other hand, are at the bottom of Group A, having lost both of their initial matches to FC Goa and Dempo.
Sporting, coached by Armando Colaco, compete in the I-League 2”the third tier of Indian football”and finished fifth in the 2023/24 season.
Ahead of the match, Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke highlighted the benefits of their pre-season tour in India. “The experience in India has been incredibly positive. Being immersed in a different culture while playing competitive football has been invaluable,” Freke stated. “These trips help us bond as a squad and align with what Ruben expects from us.”
Freke, who was awarded the Gary Wilkins Medal for the 2023/24 season, emphasized that their primary goal is advancing to the semi-finals. “The objective is clear: we need to win to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Our focus on Friday night will be solely on achieving that,” he added.
A win on Friday will guarantee Brisbane Roar a spot in the final four, where they could face either Odisha, Chennaiyin, or Defensa y Justicia.
Sporting Clube De Goa assistant coach Climax Lawrence expressed his team's determination as they face Brisbane Roar. “Tomorrow’s match is extremely important for us as we are still looking for our first points. We are playing for pride,” Lawrence said. “My players have prepared well and are ready to give their best,” he concluded.
