Sergio Lobera positive about Gaurs’ chances of progression
The Gaurs have a tough task ahead of them when they take on Chennaiyin FC in the second leg of the second semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, 13th March 2018.
Anirudh Thapa’s equalizing goal ensured that the Marina Machas took home an important away goal from a tight encounter in Goa. Manuel Lanzarote opened the scoring against John Gregory’s men but young Thapa put a spanner in the works for the Gaurs with his equalizer.
Sergio Lobera is likely to stick to a similar side that faced off against Chennaiyin in the first semi-final. Laxmikant Kattimani was instrumental in keeping Chennaiyin down to only goal with some stunning saves in the second half and looks likely to keep his place in the starting 11 despite the return of Naveen Kumar who has kept two clean sheets in the tournament. Sergio Juste and Chinglensana Singh have been excellent in defence and should be in contention to start in Chennai despite both, Bruno Pinheiro and Ali Mohammad passing fitness tests.
Seriton Fernandes has been an unsung hero in what has largely been a fantastic campaign for the side and he will walk back into the team. Narayan Das looks likely to start at left back. Hugo Boumous’ return to fitness will be vital to the Gaurs’ chances and it will be interesting to see the midfield combination that Sergio opts to go with. Pronay Halder has proved his value to the side with some astonishing performances from midfield alongside Ahmed Jahouh.
It will be a toss-up between Edu Bedia and Hugo for the attacking midfield role. Brandon Fernandes is also back from injury and Sergio will have a selection headache as he will have to choose one of Mandar Rao Dessai or Brandon to occupy one wing while Manuel Lanzarote looks certain to start on the other flank. Ferran Corominas failed to score in the first leg, but it was his shot that led to the opening goal for the Gaurs. He will want to get on the scoresheet and carry his team to the final.
Also Read: MDFA celebrates Women’s day in grand style at Cooperage
The Marina Machas are a well-organized unit and are tough to break down. The Gaurs have to score in Chennai to stay in the competition and will find it difficult to get past this back four. In Mailson Alves and Henrique Sereno, Chennai have arguably the best central defensive pairing in the league. Inigo Calderon is an experienced campaigner and will be up for the contest against Goa while youngster Jerry Lalrinzuala will look forward to the battle with Lanzarote. The four of them will have their work cut out for them against a prolific attack.
On the other hand, the Gaurs’ leaky defence will have to be up to the mark to keep out the likes of Gregory Nelson who was a thorn in their side in Goa. Additionally, players like Raphael Augusto and Jeje Lalpekhlua will be a handful on the counter-attack. A win for either side will take them through to the finals, while a goalless draw will see Chennaiyin go through on the away goal rule. A 1-1 draw will ensure that the match goes into stoppage time while a draw involving more than two goals will ensure that the Gaurs make it to the summit clash against Bengaluru FC.
Sergio was positive about his team’s chances of progression and said, “We are the highest scoring team in the competition and we have the highest scoring players as well. The style of football we employ definitely puts us at a risk of conceding but at the other end, we are capable of scoring against any team. I would definitely take another 3-2 victory over here in Chennai like we did on the first match day.”
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…