MARGAO
Goa will take on host Arunachal Pradesh inaugural match of 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2023 -24 final round at Golden Jubilee Stadium,Yupia, on Wednesday at 7 pm
Speaking about their match, Goa head coach Charles D'Souza said, "The team is in good rhythm, and we are focused on maintaining it. It will be a challenging for us, but the boys are really confident, and hopefully, we will do well to register win."
"Firstly, Senior Nationals is not an easy tournament, every team has solid players, and of course, Aurnachal Pradesh football team is a strong team. We are expecting a tough match, anybody who makes a mistake will lose, and that's how it is going to be tomorrow. I must say, my boys are doing really well, and I think we are set for the semis. The boys are mentally prepared, and physically as well, they are in a good mood to play the match," said Dias.
"We are ready to counter Arunachal Pradesh in the inaugural match. We know their style of play, and we will play the football that we have planned to play. It will be a tough game, no doubt, but we are prepared to play them, and it won't be easy for them as well," added Dias
Dias said, "In every meeting, I've always told my boys to fight till the last whistle, and have faith in yourselves that you can get victory point till the end."
The players were handpicked after only three rounds of the Goa Professional League. With time constraint, Dias has somehow managed to conduct around couple of sessions and played five practice matches.
"It's a young side, around 5 players are playing their nationals for the first time. I am happy with the performance they have put in so far," Dias concluded.
