Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy: Armando Sadiku’s strike propels FC Goa to the Finals
FC Goa secured their place in the finals of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CSD Defensa y Justicia in the semi-final clash held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday.
The Gaurs, who are also the defending champions, will take on Odisha FC in the final, after they edged past A-League Men side Brisbane Roar FC 2-1 in the second semi-final.
With Head Coach Manolo Marquez on duty with the Indian senior Men’s National Team, Assistant Coach Gouramangi Singh took charge of the Men in Orange for the first time. Gouramangi rang in five changes to the starting XI from their previous match against Dempo SC, with Odei Onaindia, Aakash Sangwan, Rowllin Borges, Brison Fernandes and Dejan Dražić coming into the lineup.
A last-minute injury to Carl McHugh during the warm-ups, however, saw Muhammed Nemil reinstated into the starting XI as well.
The match was a physical contest right from the outset, with Defensa y Justicia applying pressure and aggressive tackles in an attempt to disrupt FC Goa’s rhythm. However, the Gaurs remained composed, gradually asserting control over the game through disciplined defending and well-organized build-up play.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Albanian striker Armando Sadiku found the back of the net, marking his fifth goal in as many games.
After receiving a pass in the final third, Sadiku was forced to play the ball back to Rowllin Borges under pressure from the Defensa defenders. Borges then sent the ball wide to Boris Singh, who charged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross into the box. Sadiku, having made his way back into the box by then, expertly controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful volley into the top corner, leaving the Argentinian side’s goalkeeper Gonzalez Maximo with no chance.
The Men in Orange carried their momentum into the second half, creating several more opportunities to extend their lead. Dražić came close on two occasions, but was unable to convert his chances.
As the match neared its conclusion, FC Goa had a golden opportunity to seal the victory when Borja Herrera spotted Maximo out of position and attempted an audacious shot from inside his own half. However, the Defensa goalkeeper Maximo made a desperate save to keep his team in the match.
The last few minutes saw both teams fiercely contesting possession, with the visitors throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. Goa, however, stood firm and managed to see out the game, securing a place in the final.
The final of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 will take place on Friday, September 6, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, with the kick-off slated for 4:00 pm IST.
