Indian Super League: FC Goa Defeat Al Shabab in Friendly Match

FC Goa recorded a 2-1 win over Al Shabab in their second friendly match, ahead of the upcoming second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), at the Al Shabab Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday. (Zico optimistic about FC Goa's success)

Jofre Mateu Gonzalez (29th minute) and Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira (71st) were the goal-scorers for the Zico-coached FC Goa, who got the better of the former UAE League champions and current Gulf Clubs Championship winners. (Bhaichung against Indian Super League-I-League merger)

"It was good because all the players played around 90 minutes. This was the most important thing in this match. There are some things that we have to correct," said Zico, head coach of FC Goa.

Brazil great Zico made four changes from FC Goa's first friendly match against All Khallek, which ended in a 202 draw. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani replaced Elinton Andrade, while Narayan Das, Pronay Halder and Darryl Duffy were handed starts in place of Debabrata Roy, Joaquim Abranches and Thongkhosiem Haokip.

The hosts dominated the proceeding in the beginning, but the Goans managed to ward them off before Leo Moura's cross for Nicolau Colaco alerted the AL Shabab defence in the eighth minute.

Goa's Brazilian marquee player Lucio led the defence well despite having to deal with a couple of long range shots from their rivals. The visitors drew the first blood in the 29th minute when Jofre found the back of the net with a deflected free-kick.

The ISL side kept up the ante but Narayan Das fouled an Al Shabab player inside the box, which resulted in a penalty. Al Shabab successfully converted the penalty as the teams walked into the half-time with the scoreline reading 1-1.

In the second half, Goa made three changes as Nicolau Colaco, who picked a slight injury, was replaced by Keenan Almeida. Jonatan Lucca and Romeo Fernandes came in place of Bikramjit Singh and Darrel Duffy respectively.

Jofre blocked a shot at the goal-line in the 66th minute after linking well with Narayan and on the other side Al Shabab let fly a free-kick from about 30 yards wide of the mark.

Reinaldo restored his FC Goa's lead in the 71st minute with a brilliant finish after getting a through pass from Romeo Fernandes. Chants for Romeo filled the stadium as Al Shabab tried desperately to find a late equaliser and almost did so in the 84th minute off a header.

FC Goa then survive the remaining minutes with 10 men on the pitch following the marching orders given to skipper Lucio for high boots.