Xtra Time Web Desk: Local heavyweights Mohammedan Sporting will look to exploit the home conditions when they face a depleted FC Goa in the 130th Durand Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.
Mohammedan Sporting had a convincing 4-2 victory against FC Bengaluru United on their way to the final. All eyes will be on star players Marcus Joseph, Brandon Vanlalremdika and Nikola Stojanovic who have been exceptional throughout this tournament and will look to make their side cross the last hurdle.
FC Goa on the other hand sneaked into their maiden Durand Cup finals after a narrow 7-6 victory after a sudden-death win over Bengaluru FC. They have remained unbeaten in this tournament so far.
However, FC Goa will miss important players like Brandon Fernandez, Glan Martins and Sertion Fernandez who are all on India duty. For the Gaurs Muhammed Nemil and Devendra Murgaokar will be the key.
Murgaokar is also in the race with Mohamedan’s Joseph to be the top goal scorer in this tournament. Both of them have five goals each.
“I am happy because we are playing the final of this tournament but for me, it is a good opportunity and good experience,” FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando said.
The Black Panthers’ head coach Andrey Chernyshov said the Gaurs are one of the best teams in India.
“It’s going to be a big game. We look forward to the supporters, it will be a very nice evening and a nice game.
“We respect this team but we are not afraid because we know how we are strong. We
“had a hard way to come to the finals but we are now in the finals, and now we have only one target — to win this match,” he signed off.
There is a lot of enthusiasm among the local fans as they are expected to be at the Salt Lake Stadium in numbers. The kick off for the final is at 6pm.