Will home advantage help Goa?

MARGAO, SEPT. 24. The host Goa will be looking to exploit home advantage when it takes on West Bengal here on Tuesday in the second semifinals of the under-19 girls' National football championship.

In the other semifinals, Manipur remains overwhelming favourite to win against Mizoram.

The tussle between Goa and Bengal promises to be a closely fought encounter. Though Bengal has an edge, Goa will be looking to make the most of its home advantage.

Both teams have a clean slate so far, winning all their encounters. But the quarterfinals were a contrast. Goa struggled to beat Tamil Nadu 1-0, while West Bengal hammered Tripura 9-0.

The two teams have riches at their disposal. If Goa boasts of striker Blanca Barreto, Bengal has Shilpi Dev who has been the leading scorer so far with 14 goals.

Blanca, who has been the main goal getter for Goa, could do little against Tamil Nadu in the last match as she was well bottled up by defenders. The same can be expected against West Bengal as defender (skipper) Rehema Ksatun and Gitali will be closely guarding her.

The Bengal game plan will revolve around medios Papia Ghosh, N. Nasabalam, who have played consistently so far, and in Mamani Ghosh, its confident goalkeeper.

Goa midfielders Sharon Fernandes, Mymol Rocky, Shinny Rodrigues and Socorina Costa have given a good account of themselves keeping the rival attack at bay. Goalkeeper Cony Vaz has been a source of confidence under the bar so far.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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