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The Hindu
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
It will be difficult for us, but it won't be easy for them: FC Goa coach Marquez on AFC Champions League 2 qualifier vs Al Seeb
Ahead of a tense AFC Champions League Two qualifier against Oman's Al Seeb on Wednesday, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez is aware that on paper, the Gaurs will face a stronger opponent, but refused to get bogged down by pressure and said it is a great place to be in. 'I think most of the teams in India would like to be in this position and to play this match. As usual, it will be a difficult match for us, but it will not be easy for them as well,' Marquez told the media ahead of the match. Oman, currently ranked 79th by FIFA, is still in a strong place to bid for a spot in the FIFA World Cup next year, and Marquez pointed out to Al Seeb has many of Oman's national team players in its ranks. ALSO READ: Subroto Cup 2025 to kick off on August 19, will have anti-age-fraud measures and teams from Nepal, Sri Lanka 'When you play these kind of competitions, you know that the opponent will be strong. Football in Oman is constantly growing, and they are still in the fight to qualify for the World Cup. A lot of players from the national team play in Al Seeb. But I feel it will be an equal game, and we will have chances. Obviously, it won't be easy for us, but it won't be easy for them either,' said the Spaniard. According to the FC Goa coach, the crowd will have an important role to play in helping the Gaurs get over the line and urged the fans to turn up in numbers at the Fatorda Stadium. Citing FC Goa's Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semifinal second-leg clash against Bengaluru FC as an example, Marquez said, 'In our last match here, we lost to Bengaluru FC on aggregate. But the connection I saw between the crowd and the players was special. From there, we went on to win the Super Cup, and tomorrow, I hope we perform well again. FC Goa has strengthened three positions with foreign signings -- forward Javier Siverio (who has already played under Marquez during his time in Hyderabad FC and Las Palmas), midfielder David Timor and defender Pol Moreno. While Marquez acknowledged that the experience they will bring will be crucial for Goa's chances against a strong Al Seeb side, he was quick to point out that for the team to perform well, everyone in the squad needs to perform. With Indian football in choppy waters and the future of the ISL uncertain, Marquez admitted that this will be an 'all-or-nothing' match for FC Goa.
The Hindu
12-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Sayan shines as East Bengal beats Railways in Calcutta Football League
East Bengal notched up another win in the Calcutta Football League after beating Railways 3-0 at the Naihati Bankimanjali Stadium on Tuesday. Sayan Banerjee netted a first-half brace to hand the Red and Gold Brigade a comprehensive 2-0 lead at the break before Naseeb Rahman made it three in the additional time of the second essay. Sayan scored his first goal in the 25th minute and made followed it up with another three minutes later. This victory comes after EBFC had beaten arch-rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-2 in the CFL's Kolkata Derby to break a winless streak in the competition and a narrow win over Kalighat Sports Lovers Association. ALSO READ | Subroto Cup 2025 to kick off on August 19, will have anti-age-fraud measures and teams from Nepal, Sri Lanka EBFC now sits atop of Group A with 17 points from nine matches with top teams from each group will make the super six. In other Group A matches of the day, BSS Sportoing defeated Patha Chakra 2-0, and Suruchi Sangha won against Police AC. In Group B, Diamond Harbour FC notched up a dominant 3-0 victory over Calcutta Police to climb up to second position.
