AIFF Media Team

BHUBANESWAR: After defeating FC Goa by a solitary goal to reach the final of the inaugural edition of the Hero Super Cup, Kingfisher East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil admitted that he was a bit worried about his team not being able to “capitalise on the early chances in the match.”

“I was very worried about this match. FC Goa had five players suspended and I was very much hoping that we convert early. We had our chances but weren’t able to put it in,” he said. “But we won it and it’s a nice feeling to make it to the final.”

East Bengal rode on a Dudu Omagbemi strike to make it to the summit clash where they now await the winners of tomorrow's (Tuesday, March 17, 2018) second semi-final clash between JSW Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan. The final is slated to be held at the Kalinga Stadium on March 20, 2018.

Jamil, however, didn’t go into making any predictions about his opponent in the final.

“I will not go into predictions about the second semi-final. We will be ready to face whoever wins it tomorrow,” he smiled.

The coach also singled out goalscorer Dudu for making a substantial contribution in the match.

“I had mentioned that Dudu is a mature player. He is aware of his responsibilities. He worked hard and focussed on the task and eventually got his reward. I hope he will be ready for the final.”

Meanwhile, FC Goa Coach Derrick Pereira certified his “players combined well.”

“I think we did quite well to contain them. We played to win. East Bengal played with five foreign players and their Indian players are quality stuff. My players showed a lot of character and I am proud of them,” he maintained.

FC Goa Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani declared the Hero of the Match said: “It was a good match for us. But it’s unfortunate we lost.”