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Kolkata, Aug 5 (PTI) Defending champions Goa and last year''s runners-up Bengal will lock horns in the first semifinal match of 64th Senior National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy tomorrow at Yuba Bharati Krirangan (YBK). The most impressive team of the tournament, Goa appear favourites, even as hosts Bengal will look to exploit the home advantage.
That 29-time champion Bengal had won the title 11 years ago will be a shot in the arm for coach Shabbir Ali and his wards. In one of the biggest setback for Bengal, the hosts will miss the services of their star striker Shankar Oraon who has been ruled out for a knee injury.
The Chirag United forward injured his knee in their 1-2 loss to Tamil Nadu in a quarterfinal group league match yesterday. Bengal will also miss the services of midfielder Subhash Chakrabarty as Mumbai FC player has a finger injury.
But Bengal''s defence will get a boost with the return of Arnab Mondal who missed the last match because of a double yellow. Goans will pose the most challenging battle in Bengal''s title quest and coach Ali conceded, "They are a tough opposition.
They are playing nice football." But he appeared optimistic to earn Bengal the national title after an 11-year hiatus.
"Everybody is committed and we will have to make our way out," Bengal coach said. Goa have strong challengers in forwards Milagres Gonsalves and Cavin Lobo.
Salgaocar youngster Gonsalves, after missing out on a few chances in their opening matches, has found his feet, giving rival defence a tough time. Goan coach Mariano Dias will have less worry with Lobo taking the pressure off.
The Sporting Clube de Goa forward has been a super-sub, scoring the crucial goals despite not in the starting line-up. Lobo''s winner against Karnataka and a brace against Punjab gives plenty of option to the Goan coach, making them the team to watch out for.
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