MARGAO
Goa is focused on winning their inaugural match of the 70th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy against West Bengal on Tuesday in Nagpur on Tuesday.
"The morale of the team is very high and I hope they carry it into the match. It's never easy playing against Bengal. But I am confident the boys will give a good account of themselves," Goa coach Alfred Fernandes told The Goan Everyday on the eve of the match.
"Our philosophy is to always score goals and look for a result. That's our style of play and we hope to start the campaign on a winning note," Fernandes added.
Fernandes is clearly intent on improving upon the good work done by his players in qualifying for the main round. "Every game in this tournament is like a final. It's about the survival of the fittest. Bengal are a very strong team. So I'm expecting my players to stay focused and keep the momentum going," the former Sesa Goa midfielder said.
It is certain that Bevan D'Mello will partner with Agnelo Colaco upfront. Captain Peter Carvalho has shown solidity in the midfield and has settled with Nickson Castana, Richard Costa, Velitto D'Cruz and Francis Fernandes. The back four will see Rowilson Rodrigues, Mohammed Ali, Shallum Pires and Elvis Baretto combine for Fernandes' team.
