35th Federation Cup: Sporting Clube de Goa look to get back on track against East Bengal

“We love to play open football, although after the last game we must look to shore up the defence, build up cautiously and then the rest will fall into place,” stated Sporting Clube de Goa Coach Oscar Bruzon as his team prepares to take on East Bengal Club in the 35th Federation Cup at MDS Complex, Manjeri in Kerala on Saturday evening. The kick-off is 5pm.

Sporting Goa was beaten 3-5 by I-League leaders Bengaluru FC in their opening Group B encounter and will now have to make-up the deficit in the next two matches, while their opponents East Bengal did not have the best of starts either, having drawn 1-1 with Rangdajied United FC, but have got a point in the kitty for their efforts.

“Against Bengaluru FC, 4 out of the 5 goals were defensive errors and the players have put their hands up and taken ownership for their mistakes so we will start on a clean slate,” remarked Oscar.

Oscar has decided to make a few modifications to the line-up to ensure the team can play to their strengths against an East Bengal squad that boasts of three former Sporting Goa players in Edeh Chidi, James Moga and Cavin Lobo.

Meanwhile Oscar will rely on the likes of Mathew Gonsalves, Kalu Ogba, Boima Jerry Karpeh and Rowllin Borges to rally his troops. The Flaming Oranje may be without Arturo Garcia who sprained his knee against Bengaluru FC and Jovel Martins who is still trying to recover from an ankle ligament injury.

Despite conceding five goals against Bengaluru FC, Oscar was pleased to see his players fighting till the very end, even when they were four goals down at one stage. “On a positive note, we scored three goals in the last 16 minutes, thanks largely to the bullish spirit of the team. The players have grown like a family and I must say I am proud of them,” signed Oscar off.