DURAND CUP

Durand Cup 2021: FC Goa reach the final

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FC Goa defeated Bengaluru FC reserves in a thrilling encounter to reach the final of Durand Cup 2021. Naveen Kumar’s sudden death save ensured a 7-6 penalty shootout win after both sides ended up 2-2 after extra time.

Siva Sakthi scored both the goals for Bengaluru FC while Devendra Murgaonkar and Redeem Tlang were the goalscorers for the Gaurs. Murgaonkar has scored his fifth goal in the tournament and is now among the top scorers.

Despite losing, Naushad Moosa would be delighted with his bunch of young boys, who would be surely getting called up alongside the senior team for the 2021-22 Indian Super League season. Goa would be facing hosts Mohammedan Sporting Club in the final on 3rd October.

Goa is still in the Durand Cup Heist after a hard-fought win against Bengaluru

FC Goa were the second ISL side alongside Kerala Blasters fielding foreigners for the 130th edition of Durand Cup. The latter didn’t make it past the group stage while Goa have done a brilliant job as of now.

Even after losing Jorge Ortiz to injury, the Gaurs overcame all their challenges and are now in the final. Similar to the previous semifinal, the Blues took the lead in the very first minute. However, the joy didn’t last long as Devendra Murgaonkar scored the much-needed equaliser seven minutes later.

It has been a brilliant run of form for the youngster alongside another lad Mohammed Nemil, who provided the assist. The second half was calmly dominated by Goa but Bengaluru had been coming on top. However, Goa completed the turnaround in the 72nd minute through the goal scored by Redeem Tlang.

But, Siva Sakthi again became the goalscorer in the 83rd minute scoring from a header from close range. The game moved into extra time but both sides failed to score the winner. Finally, FC Goa’s Christy turned to be the difference as Naveen Kumar saved Bengaluru’s final kick of the match.

Despite the loss, the Blues have plenty of positives and would be happy with their performance in the tournament. They will now be preparing for the next ISL season. BFC would be facing North East United in their opening fixture on 20th November.

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