FC Goa to train in Dubai

PANAJI: FC Goa will leave for Dubai on September 2 for their pre-season training and will play three friendly matches during their 21-day stay, an official said.

The Goan franchise of Indian Super League's (ISL) training last year was marred by lack of quality opposition. Head coach Zico has opted to do the training in Dubai this time and will play friendly matches against strong opponents.

Domestic players along with the support staff will leave for Dubai on September 2, while foreign players along with Zico will assemble directly from their own destinations, the FC official said.

The team, coached by Brazilian Paulo Comelli, will play their first friendly match against Arabian Gulf League side Emirates FC on September 11.

The second friendly match will be played on September 15 against high-profile Al Shabab who finished third in the Arabian Gulf League last season.

This season they beat Al Seeb 4-3 on penalties to win the GCC Clubs Championship trophy in Oman and had made it to the final of President's Cup last season.

The third and last friendly match will be played on September 19, against either between Al Khaleej FC or AI Jazira FC.