India look to tame Mozambique for football gold

A keen contest is on the cards when Goa-India take on Mozambique on Tuesday for the football gold in the 3rd edition of the Lusofonia Games 2014. 

Goa-India, who played brilliant football right throughout the tournament, outplayed Macau with their skillful play as they dominated the ball procession throughout to beat them 2-0 in the semifinals. 

They would have won by a bigger margin but lacked in finishing, which they cannot afford on Tuesday against Mozambique, who are tougher opponents and will not allow any space to the hosts. 

The home team has played Mozambique twice in the group stage in which they won once and lost in another game. 

Goa-India, who are assured of a medal this time, had lost all their matches and conceded 18 goals at the last Lusofonia Games. 

The team has a major advantage in home crowd, which will back them to the hilt at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. 

Goa-India will once again rely on their play-maker Brandon Fernandes to lead the charge. His effective kick in the dead ball situation will be handy to the team’s success. 

Sahil Tavora, who gave good account in the midfield and scored a solo goal in Goa-India’s win against Macau, will not play Tuesday on account of double booking and it will be a big blow to the team as he is known as the driving force in the attack. 

Nickson Castanha is likely to replace him in the middle. However, good news for Goa-India is that Mozambique will be without their creative midfielder Bernardino Jose, who got red card against Sri Lanka in the semifinals.

If Goa-India’s defense succeeds in warding off their aggressive opponents and able to score half chances, they stand a good chance to bag the gold. 

India’s coach Neto said, “Boys have worked hard to reach this stage. Now that we are close to winning the gold, we will not miss the chance. I know it is going to be a tough challenge as our opponents with whom we have played twice earlier, are physically well built and will come hard at us. 

“But we are ready for the challenge and with home support we will go all out to achieve gold for the country,” Neto said. 

Sri Lanka will face Macau for a bronze. Sri Lanka, who have beaten Macau in the group stage, look the favourite to win the bronze. They have put up a disciplined performance against Mozambique but lost 0-1. 

Midfielder Mohamad Hakeem, who along with Hondamunige de Silva and Landa Shan, have combined well and their success will largely depend on those three.

Press Release