PANAJI
Current champions FC Goa will face Odisha FC in the final, title-defence match of the second edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial trophy.
Having faced the full might of Clube Deportive Defensa y Justicia, the Gaurs came out a goal ahead of the Argentines in the semis sailing ont e back of Armando Sadiku’s strike. In their group stage, they made light work of Brisbane Roar, as well as the Goan sides Dempo SC and Sporting Clube de Goa, coming out unbeaten.
Meanwhile, Odisha FC themselves have had a dream run, rampaging past east-coast side Chennaiyin FC and I-League’s Churchill Brothers, as well as CSD Defensa y Justicia. In the semifinal, they put Brisbane Roar’s momentum to the axe with Hugo Boumous the executioner, and are now looking to dethrone the Gaurs.
Irrespective of the champions, the true winners have been the Goan football fans, who have been in for a treat, with access to world-class football at the PJN stadium, Fatorda.
The Goa Football Association has added the cherry on top, announcing free entry for the north, south and east stands for the final on August 6.
“We at GFA are ecstatic with the public response we have received for the second successful edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial trophy. To thank the fans for their support, we have announced free entry for the final. We hope that people from all over Goa come in large numbers to watch the fanstastic level of football we have on display,” stated GFA President Caitano Fernandes.
“We have taken the BBMT even further this year. Last year I had promised international teams would participate, this year we have great teams from Argentina and Australia playing. Thanks to help from the government, we have made this successful edition a reality, we propose to go much bigger next year,” he signed off.
