ISL: FC Goa's pre-season at home

Panaji: FC Goa have given up on plans to have their pre-season abroad and will instead prepare for the next edition of the Indian Super League at home.
For the last four editions of the ISL, FC Goa had their pre-season abroad for lack of proper training facilities – during monsoon – and quality opposition for pre-season friendlies.
FC Goa travelled to Dubai in 2015 and Brazil in 2016 under former coach and Brazilian legend Zico.For the last two seasons, however, Sergio Lobera opted to take the team to Spain for pre-season. Now, the Goan franchise has been left with no choice but to train at home due to reported cost-cutting.
According to sources, FC Goa will kickstart their preparations with their first training session at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on September 12.
After about a week of training, FC Goa will play the first of their eight friendlies.
“We plan to have the first friendly on September 19 and the second on September 23,” said the official, with Goa Santosh Trophy, Vasco Sports Club and Calangute Association among the probable opposition.
FC Goa have retained the same squad from last season with six of the seven foreign players signing on the dotted line. Except for Moroccan attacking midfielder Zaid Krouch, all foreign players have been retained.
From among the domestic players, goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani and defender Nirmal Chhetri have fallen out of favour, while a former player who had left the club is expected to return.
Aibanbbha Kupar Dohling (Shillong Lajong) and Seiminlen Doungel (Kerala Blasters) are the new faces in the team.
“We will be promoting a couple of players from the developmental squad based on their performance at the Durand Cup. The final decision will be taken by the coach when he meets the technical staff,” said the official.
FC Goa are likely to play their first match of the season at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on October 23.
THE TEAM: Goalkeepers: Naveen Kumar, Mohammad Nawaz, Shubham Dhas; Defenders: Mourtada Fall, Carlos Pena, Seriton Fernandes,Chinglensana Singh, Aibanbbha Kupar Dohling, Mohamed Ali, Saviour Gama ; Midfielders: Jackichand Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Eduardo Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues, Princeton Rebello, Mandar Rao Dessai; Forwards:Ferran Corominas, Seiminlen Doungel, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco.