THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Léo Moura: Dubai friendlies can give FC Goa a good start in the ISL

FC Goa
FC Goa

Photo courtesy: FC Goa

FC Goa’s Brazilian defender Leonardo da Silva Moura, commonly known as Léo Moura, believes that the pre-season friendlies against Arabian top teams in Dubai will help in giving his side a good start into Season 2 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

“The trainings are turning out to be very good for our team. Preparing at this time is important for our debut in the league,” Léo Moura said.

The Goan ISL franchise played the first of their five friendlies against Al Khaleej in Dubai on Friday, which resulted in a 2-2 draw with Jofre Mateu González and Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira finding the back of the net for FC Goa.

The Gaurs are set to take on Saudi Arabian outfit Al Shabab FC next on September 15, 2015, at the Al Shabab Stadium near Century Mall in Dubai.

Tuesday’s clash against the former Saudi Professional League (SPL) champions, as the rest of the matches against Ajmal FC, Al Jazeera Club and Hatta Club at the respective clubs’ grounds on September 16, 19 and 20 respectively, will kick off at 19.00 local time.

Fans may follow the live updates of the friendly matches in Dubai on FC Goa’s official twitter handle (@fcgoaofficial) while those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can witness the stars with their own eyes.

“These games here in Dubai will help us to condition for the start of the season. For me, it has been wonderful. It will help me get better for the ISL,” added Léo Moura who started in Friday’s tie.

The other players to have started against Al Khaleej were Elinton Andrade, Nicolau Colaco, Gregory Arnolin, Lúcio, Debabrata Roy, Jofre, Joaquim Abranches, Bikramjit Singh, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Reinaldo.

FC Goa will be up against Roberto Carlos’ Delhi Dynamos FC in their first game of the new ISL Season on October 4, 2015, at Fatorda Stadium in Margao with a kick-off time of 19.00 IST.