PANAJI
FC Goa’s last five fixtures of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) have been rescheduled, the club announced on Wednesday.
Following their draw against Odisha FC, the Gaurs will face Chennaiyin FC next, in an away clash on February 9. Later, on February 15, the Gaurs will welcome ATK Mohun Bagan in their designated home ground, the SAG Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Saturday, February 19 will see Derrick Pereira and his boys lock horns with Hyderabad FC in an away clash (9.30 pm kick-off).
A week later - on 26 February - FC Goa will meet Mumbai City in their penultimate league match in another 9.30 pm game. FC Goa’s final match of the ISL 2021-22 league season will be a home game against Kerala Blasters on March 6.
With 15 points from as many games, the Gaurs continue to have mathematical chances of claiming a top-four spot. They will now look to win as many points as possible from their remaining matches to try and qualify for the playoffs.
‘Playoff chances doubtful now’
FC Goa had to wait till the final minute of the match to bag an equaliser on Tuesday, when they took on Odisha FC.
“Our playoff chances are doubtful now. It is very, very tough, unless the top teams drop points in their remaining games,” said head coach Derrick Pereira in the post-match press conference. He, however, also opined that the result against Odisha FC was a relief.
“We got at least a point before we head into our last five matches in the league stage. It would have been disappointing if we had lost this game, especially because we went in with an intent to do well. We created a few chances which we couldn’t convert. The team, in general, did their best,” the 59-year-old explained.
“However, some players still have to step up, in terms of their individual performances. They have to deliver more than what they have, so far.”
