coach samir naik wants his team to sustain winning momentum
CHARLES D’SOUZA
MARGAO
Goa coach Samir Naik said his team will target full points against Meghalaya in their final group match in Ludhiana on Tuesday, to ensure that the team carries the momentum into the semifinals of the National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy.
“Our target is to win the last match and carry the momentum ahead in the knock-out match,” Naik said. “We are not taking Meghalaya lightly; they are a very good side. But we want nothing less than three points. Although we have qualified for the semifinals, tomorrow’s match is very important to carry that winning edge ahead.”
Naik said that his team will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Glan Martins, who is back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension. The coach hinted that he will ring some changes in the first XI. “Joaquim Abranches, Peter Carvalho, Glan Martins and Jessel Carneiro are eager to give their best. We have a very good team and if everything goes according to plans, we will get the three points from the last match,” Naik stated.
“We have been consistently creating chances in every match and I am proud of the manner in which the boys have responded,” Naik said. “The unity within the team is our core strength. The boys always have stood by each other, helping each other to collectively improve as a team and move forward,” Naik signed off.
