Durand Cup 2023: Group D leaders FC Goa face ISL rivals NorthEast United

Both teams won their opening match in the Durand Cup

Following their emphatic 6-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC earlier this week, FC Goa are now one step closer to the knockout stages of the Durand Cup 2023 – and can ensure qualification provided they take home the three points against NorthEast United FC as well on Saturday.

In the absence of head coach Manolo Marquez who is serving a suspension, assistant coach Benito Montalvo is currently in charge of the Gaurs. Under the Argentinian, Goa put six goals past Lajong on Tuesday, with Noah Sadaoui registering his maiden hat-trick in Indian football.

Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez and Rowllin Borges also scored against the Meghalaya-based club to give the Men in Orange a successful start to the 2023-24 season.

NorthEast United FC, who also beat Lajong in their Durand Cup opener last week, will be eyeing for a victory as well on Saturday against the Gaurs. The winner of this match is likely to progress to the knockout stages, and hence this becomes a virtual qualifier game for both teams.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Noah Sadaoui emphasised on the need to focus on further improvement keeping in mind their upcoming Hero ISL league campaign. With his recent hat-trick, the 29-year-old now has 14 goals to his name in 24 games for FC Goa.

“I’m glad to have notched my first hat-trick for FC Goa, but the most important thing is to play well as a team,” he said on Friday.

“We’re 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.

“We are aiming at qualifying for the knockouts and winning the Durand Cup, but the bigger objective is to continue improving both individually and as a team, going towards the ISL,” the Moroccan international added.

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