FC Goa play out goalless draw with Boavista SC

Chandigarh, 16 September 2016: FC Goa were held to a goalless draw against Boavista SC on Thursday at the Centro de Futebol Zico, the academy of head coach Zico in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was FC Goa's second pre-season match following on from their defeat to Bangu Atletico Clube in the first pre-season game.

Zico kept faith with his first eleven from the previous match and employed a three man defence with Lucio, Gregory and Rafael Dumas  marshalling the back, with Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai for support in the wing back positions. Youngster Sahil Tavora got another start alongside Brazilian international Richarlyson. Spaniard Joffre played the role of the creator in chief while Robin Singh and Rafael Coelho started up front. Laxmikant Kattimani continued in between the sticks.

FC Goa started the match on the back foot as the opponents broke in the very first minute. However, the opposition failed to capitalise. After the initial nerves, FC Goa began to settle down. The first major chance of the game fell for Joffre in the 15th minute. Romeo found space down the right and played a diagonal ball to Coelho who delayed his pass and managed to release Joffre. The Spaniard was one-on-one with the keeper and he unleashed a left footed shot from a tight angle that went across the keeper who was well beaten. Kattimani played a part in keeping the opponents out with a string of good saves including an excellent save from a 25 yard drive by an opposition striker as the teams went into the break all square.

Zico made just one change at the interval with Tavora withdrawn for Pratesh Shirodkar. However, at the 60th minute mark, the Brazilian rang in the changes to give the rest of his squad an outing and to test the bench strength. Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was brought in for Kattimani while Luciano Sobrosa, Keenan Almeida and Fulganco Cardozo came on to form a four man defence. Trindade Goncalves also came on along with Julio Cesar who occupied the position of the lone striker. Soon after coming on, Subhasish was forced into two good saves to keep the score at 0-0. However, the Bengal keeper suffered a heel injury soon after and was replaced by youngster Sukhadev Patil. Debabrata Roy came on for the last 15 minutes of the match, replacing Mandar and Fulganco, like in the previous match was pushed to a more advanced position down the left side. As the game petered out to a finish, Denzil Franco replaced Joffre to keep the score down to 0-0.

Reinaldo Oliveira, Sanjay Balmuchu and Raju Gaikwad were unused substitutes. The team seemed to have improved since their defeat to Bangu Atletico Clube and are moving in the right direction. FC Goa will take on Rio Branco AC on 18th September at 3.30 pm local time in their third pre-season friendly. The team will return to India on 25th September ahead of their Indian Super League season opener on 4th October.

Read More »

FC Goa takes on Boa Vista in second pre-season friendly

Chandigarh, 15th September 2016: FC Goa will take on Brazilian side Boa Vista in the second of six pre-season matches at Zico 10, the academy of head coach Zico in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 15th September. After going down to Bangu Atletico Clube 3-1 in the first pre-season, Zico will look to shake up his squad tactically. ­

Zico employed a formation with a three man defence in the first half against Bangu, but that did not pay off. Quick, attacking play by the Brazilian side saw the FC Goa defence being broken down time and again. Additionally, the lack of pace in the defence was also a highlight. Zico, however, shook things up in the second half of that match. He shifted to a 4-4-1-1 formation and introduced full backs Keenan Almeida and Fulganco Cardozo. This brought a measure of stability to the team as they began to see more of the ball.


Against Boa Vista, Zico will be keen to try out his options. Full back, Keenan Almeida had a good second half and is likely to retain his place along with goal scorer Fulganco Cardozo. Additionally, Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho and attacking midfielder Joffre are also expected to be sure starters once the ISL begins and they might be given another chance against Boa Vista. Coelho impressed many during the second season of the ISL despite an injury ravaged campaign and will be keen to leave a mark one more time.


Goan wingers Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes had a tough time, especially during the first half against Bangu. However, both the wingers are important players and are likely to be given another go. Laxmikant Kattimani will continue in goal as Subhasish Roy Chowdhury is an injury doubt. Zico will be spoiled for choice with respect to the centre back pairing with Lucio, Luciano, Dumas and Greogry all available for selection. Additionally, the coach will be tempted to test his bench strength as the match progresses.


The Gaurs are slated to play a total of six friendly matches before flying back to Goa on 25th September ahead of the their first game of the season against North East United on the 4th of October in Guwahati.

Read More »

FC Goa lose first pre-season friendly to Bangu A.C 3-1

 Chandigarh, 12 September 2016: FC Goa went down to Bangu Atletico Clube 3-1 in the first of their six pre-season games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The match took place at Zico 10, head coach Zico’s academy. Bangu played quick, attacking football to quickly take a 3-0 lead in the first half before full back Fulganco Cardozo got one back for Zico’s side.

Employing a 3-5-2 formation, FC Goa were vulnerable to rapid attacks by the Brazilian team. Wingers Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai were forced to track back constantly and cover the opposition wingers. The opposition found acres of space behind the two Goan wingers who attempted to venture forward to help out in attack. It did not take long before the first goal was scored. Gregory Arnolin held on to the ball too long at the half line which prompted an opposition attacked to steal it off him. A quick counter attack ensued and Goa quickly found themselves a goal down. In the 21st minute, a poorly taken corner gave the opposition another chance to counter attack. They did so at pace and found themselves three men to the good against Goa’s two and they duly scored to double their lead.


Not long later, Bangu found themselves up by three goals. The space behind Dessai was exploited and the resulting cross was turned into his own net by a back tracking Lucio as the Indian side went into the break with a mountain to climb in the second half.


Zico was quick to identify his team’s weakness and made some changes at the break. The defence underwent an overhaul as Cardozo, Keenan Almeida and Luciano Sobrosa were brought in. Brazilian Trindade Goncalves was also brought in to shield the defence. Changing to a 4-4-1-1 formation brought more stability to the team. Bangu still kept control of the match however, but Zico’s side looked more assured in the second half. Midway through the half, Zico brought Debabrata Roy on for Dessai and pushed Cardozo to a more advanced left mid position. He also brought on Pratesh Shirodkar for Joffre. Goa persisted and pushed forward and were finally rewarded towards the end of the match with a consolation strike. Right back Keenan Almeida played a ball forward to Romeo who found himself in acres of space. The winger beat the first man and put in a delicious cross for Cardozo who made no mistake with his head. The full time whistle was blown soon after.


FC Goa play their next match against Brazilian heavyweights Atletico Paranaense on the 14th of September. Zico will hope for a much improved showing and may look to rotate his squad in a bid to find the best playing XI ahead of the third season of the Indian Super League.

Read More »

The Gaurs set their sights on Rio de Janeiro for the pre-season training

Chandigarh, August 25, 2016: As part of FC Goa’s pre-season training and conditioning, the team will assemble at Zico’s football academy Zico 10 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to prepare for season 3 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) under the close watch and guidance of head coach Zico.

Zico 10 is a brand, under which there are various academies and training centres across Brazil attached to the Flamengo legend Zico who is the head coach of FC Goa for the third consecutive season.

FC Goa are scheduled to play pre-season friendlies with Brazilian clubs during the pre-season training in Rio. 

Speaking of the ISL franchise’s target for the coming season, Zico has predicted a better season for the Gaurs, as the team is popularly referred to, in ISL 3.Said Zico, “We’ve made some good signings this year and we will continue to work on the squad while at the pre-season training in Rio, Brazil. It’s important for the team to come together to play and gel well and that’s what we will do in Brazil. We are building a strong team and we are aiming for the title”

Local superstars Romeo and Mandar Rao Dessai are elated to be part of the squad’s preparations in Rio de Janeiro.Said Romeo who has previously trained in Bazil with Atletico Paranaense, “I'm looking forward to train in Brazil again, I will do my best in the training session to learn and better my skills under Zico, it will be a great opportunity to play against the Brazilian teams and learn from them.

“I have heard that there are excellent training facilities and competitive teams to plays against.I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the quality of play of the Brazilians teams as we have grown up knowing that Brazil is one of the power houses of football in the world. It will be great opportunity to learn and better my skills”, said Mandar. 

FC Goa’s new signing; local lad Pratesh Shirodkar is visibly excited about the coming season. “Brazil is a land of football and training in Rio is like going to the holy land of football. My expectation of training at Rio is to evolve into a more skilful player and better my techniques”.

FC Goa’s right back Keenan Almeida is looking forward to heading to the South American country. “I’m excited about the fact that we are heading to Rio for our preseason. Brazil being the land of so many footballing legends adds to the thrill. I’m sure it's going to be a good learning experience with the best of facilities and training under the guidance of Zico”

The squad will train in Rio de Janeiro until mid-September 2016, post which the Zico-managed team will be back in Goa for the final phase of training in Goa before the season starts.

The city is also known for its sprawling favelas, its Carnival festival featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes, samba costumes and most importantly the game of football.

Last season FC Goa conducted their pre-season at the Spanish Soccer Schools grounds located within the Dubai Sports City complex in the United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Read More »

FC GOA UNVEIL JAYDEV MODY AS NEW PROMOTER OF CLUB. CONFIRMS THAT ZICO WILL RETURN AS HEAD COACH FOR SEASON 3 OF ISL

-Mody reiterates that the club belongs to the fans and is counting on their support-

Chandigarh, 5th August 2016: FC Goa officially unveiled Jaydev Mody as the new promoter of the club at a media briefing held at Nerul in Goa yesterday. Mr. Mody bought a 65% stake in the club in a personal capacity from the previous owners and has hit the ground running. As part of his address to the media, he confirmed that Brazilian legend Zico, who has become a synonymous figure with the club’s identity, will continue in his capacity as the Head Coach for the third season of the Hero Indian Super League.

Mr. Mody expressed his excitement at taking on this project and outlined his long term vision for the club. Said Mr. Jaydev Mody, Promoter, FC Goa, “Goa has always been a vibrant footballing state and has a rich footballing legacy. Now by becoming a member of the FC Goa family, I have an active part to play in it. The club is a true reflection of the passion the state has for football and we have a responsibility to the people of Goa to give it the support it deserves. This team doesn’t just belong to the promoters. It belongs to every Goan within the country. Every Goan has a part to play in the success of this football club and we want their continued support. We believe that Goa has some serious footballing talent and as part of our vision for the club, we want to ensure we harness that potential. We want to provide a platform for that footballing talent to thrive upon. The club has already laid a great foundation in the previous years and our aim is to keep that going and make gradual improvements as we go along. After years of hard work, we want to be able to look back and satisfactorily say that there is a legacy being created. We are committed to the development of football in the state.”

As part of his address, Mr. Mody also announced that Zico was coming back to lead the team at FC Goa. He said,“It was a very simple decision for us really. Zico is a true legend of the game and has been an integral part of the club since its inception. He has an immense amount of knowledge of the game and we are delighted that he will be able to impart that to our boys here at FC Goa. With him at the helm, we expect the team to do very well and give Goa the taste of beautiful football once again this season.”

Zico who was also present at the event added his thoughts at the prospect of coming back to Goa. Said, Zico, Head Coach, FC Goa, “India has been a great experience for me in the past two years and when the management of FC Goa reached out to me, I was happy to come back. The people of Goa have always given me a lot of support and love and I hope that this season we can repay them with our performances on the pitch. I have spoken to Mr. Mody and he has a vision for this club and I’m happy to play my part in this. In terms of this season, we have made some good signings and we will continue to work on the squad which will be built to aim for the title.” 

The other board members of the club also took the opportunity to welcome the new ownership and expressed their support for Zico and his team. Mr. Dhoot, the Chairman of the Videocon Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Mody to the FC Goa family. We have had two great seasons so far and we have seen amazing support for FC Goa, with his support and common vision, the club will scale further heights in the upcoming season and bring further joy to the people of Goa. Forca Goa!”

Added Sukhvinder Singh, CEO, FC Goa, “FC Goa is geared for the third season of the Indian Super League with a well-structured team lead by Head Coach Zico and supported by the promoters of FC Goa. We are delighted that we now have more Goans than ever before playing in our squad for this season. We look forward to an excellent season ahead. ”

With the ownership and head coach now confirmed, FC Goa is expected to go about completing its squad and get preparations underway for the season.

Read More »