Naushad Moosa wants Bengaluru FC to make things difficult for FC Goa

The Blues will lock horns with the Gaurs in the semi-finals at the Salt Lake stadium

Two Indian Super League (ISL) rivals Bengaluru FC and FC Goa will take on each other in the Durand Cup semi-finals on September 29. The last time the two sides faced each other was on 21 February 2021, when FC Goa emerged victorious in the ISL. Things are a bit different in the Durand Cup, with the Blues fielding mainly their reserves' players and the Gaurs having some new faces in the squad. Led by Naushad Moosa, BFC reached the semis with a win over Army Green, while Goa beat Delhi FC in the last eight.

The winner of tomorrow's clash will face Mohammedan SC at the final on October 3. Ahead of tomorrow's match, Bengaluru FC's assistant coach Moosa spoke at the pre-match press conference.

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On facing FC Goa

First up, coach Naushad Moosa shared his thoughts on facing the Gaurs considering these very statistics (zero losses), their squad and his general approach towards it all. He began, "I don't think there is a difference in our approach to our game. FC Goa are a strong team and we cannot afford any mistakes. I'm sure it will be a good game for the spectators.

"Until now, the boys had no pressure. They understand their responsibilities and they've done well. FC Goa have come with their full squad, but so did Kerala (Blasters). It won't be an easy game, but we want to make things difficult for them. Going into the game, they (players) are still under no pressure. I just want them to believe that they have done well and that they played good football when they come off the pitch after the game," he added.

Regarding 6 PM kickoff & BFC's campaign so far

Further, the tactician was asked his opinions on the change in kickoff timings (from 2 PM to 6 PM) as well as the learnings from matches so far. On the former, he responded, "Playing later in the day helps both the teams because it won't be as humid or hot as the 2 pm or 3 pm kick-offs. It's favourable for both teams and it makes for a better game of football."

Naushad Moosa also spoke about how each game had a particular kind of impact. He said, "Every game has taught us much, so far. We beat Kerala, that gave us confidence. We were down 2-1 to Delhi after taking the lead and found an equalizer. The two games against Army Green and Indian Navy were also good learning moments."

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Wungngayam Muirang and other youngsters

Finally, he shared his opinions on the squad's youngsters, particularly Wungngayam Muirang and his brilliant free-kick equalizer during the quarterfinal against Army Green.

"We came into this competition wanting to give players an opportunity, especially those who are part of the senior team," referring to the chances given to his youth and developing side," Naushad Moosa expressed.

About Muirang especifically, he added, "He has been with me since he was at the U-19 level and he has done well over the years. The free-kick he scored, I was asking my assistant why he wasn't in the box instead, but he told me that Muirang had been training for those free-kicks. And it was bang on."

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