India ready for Macau challenge

Goa (India) are prepared to face Macau's challenge ahead of the second football semi-finals at the third edition of the 2014 Lusofonia Games at Nehru Stadium in Margao tomorrow. 

Goa (India), which won and lost one game each against Mozambique, finished with three points along with South African country but topped the group A by draw of lots. 

Macau, which needed an outright win against Sao Tome e Principe after losing to Sri Lanka, were lucky to make the semi-finals after they won against a better Sao Tome e Principe side who were cruising along well with a 1-1 draw until they were reduced to nine in the stoppage time. And eventually conceded a penalty, which Choi Weng Hou converted to put their team into the semis. 

They now have a tougher challenge tomorrow against Goa (India), which have a strong midfield and play a free flowing game and have shown lot of creativity in their attack. 

Playmaker Brendon Fernandes, who is a live wire in the midfield has been orchestrating the moves and Macau will not have it easy. 

Myron Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Richard Costa, Mandar Desai and Brian Mascarenhas have also combined well to keep the attack going. 

The defense, along with keeper Albino Gomes have put up a commendable performance to keep their fort intact. 

Macau will rely on their midfielder Pang Chi Hang to take the fight into the enemy's camp and striker Choi Weng Hou (who scored a brace against Sao Tome e Principe) to score goal against a compact Indian defense. 

Goa (India)'s coach Neto is pleased with the way his boys have played against Mozambique. 

"A win tomorrow will assure us a medal and our boys know what is expected from them. They are all prepared for the challenge and will give cent per cent to bring laurels for India," Neto said. 

On the other hand, Macau's coach Leung Sui Wing said India were a strong team but they were also ready for the challenge and "will put our best fight against them".