FC Goa take on NorthEast FC in prelude to Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal derby

GUWAHATI/KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal in the biggest clash of the season while FC Goa meet NorthEast United in another crucial clash in Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on the second Super Saturday of the 132nd Durand Cup.

The Group D game between the Gaurs and the Highlanders kicks off in the afternoon whereas the Group A derby game in Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) at 4.45 pm.

The match between Manolo Marquez-schooled FC Goa and the Juan Pedro Benali-coached NEUFC will essentially be a battle of who takes the top spot, at least momentarily, in Group D.

With both the Gaurs and the Highlanders beating Shillong Lajong in their respective opening games, Saturday’s winner would fancy their knockout qualification chances. Downtown Heroes of Kashmir is the third team in the group and is yet to play their first game.

While the Gaurs overwhelmed Shillong 6-0, a young Highlanders side is also impressive in their 4-0 win over the same opponents. Both winners also had hat-trick men in those games with a young and impressive Parthib Gogoi bringing up the tournament’s and his first in senior football to begin with and then Noah Sadaoui of the Gaurs, netting three in their game against a hapless Shillong four days later.

Sadaoui spoke to the Durand media team ahead of Saturday’s clash saying, “I’m glad to have notched my first hat-trick in Indian football, but the most important thing is to play well as a team. We are happy with how we played on Tuesday. We’ll take on a strong opponent once again in NorthEast United, and we’ll try to do what the Coach says so that we play well and win again.”

He also added, “We are aiming at qualifying for the knockouts and winning the Durand Cup.”

The Highlanders also have their engine in Frenchman Romain Philippoteaux, who had a brilliant first game. With talent like Phalguni Singh and Gani Nigam in support and the assurance of Chalieu in goal, the Gaurs will definitely have a match on their hands, despite their good form. IANS

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