Indian Super League 2022-23

‘This was a very difficult game for us’- FC Goa’s Edu Bedia after victory over East Bengal

FC Goa and East Bengal battled it out in a hard-fought game in the Indian Super League in which FC Goa won 2-1. In a game that had ebbs and flows, the game looked like it would end in a deadlock but in the 4^th minute of injury time, FC Goa were given a free kick which they capitalized on.

The kick was taken by Edu Bedia, who stepped up to the plate and delivered. The kick came down and the ball swirled. It went away from the players, thereafter and finally found a place in the back of the net.

East Bengal had been handed a defeat in a match that looked it would end in a draw. The last-minute winner instantly reminded many of the Spaniard’s free-kick goal against Mohammedan SC in the 2021 Durand Cup final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Here’s what Edu Bedia had to say after the match:

“Yes, we were talking about this. It was a similar goal at the same stadium and even at the same end of the pitch. But yes, this was a very difficult game for us. The first game always gives us extra motivation but you’re also nervous.”

The game started off on a winning note for the Gaurs as they registered a goal on the scoresheet in the 7^th minute early on. But in the second half, East Bengal roared back into the match, thanks to change in tactics from the East Bengal coach Stephen Constantine.

East Bengal got a goal in the 64^th minute, courtesy of Clayton Silva. This equaled the scores as the match headed for an interesting finish. Speaking about the importance of the victory, Bedia said,

“The victory is great for us because it’s the first game of the season. We needed this confidence as we have a new team, new players, and a new coaching staff. We have to improve, but it’s better to improve with three points.”