FC Goa lose first pre-season friendly to Bangu A.C 3-1

The match took place at Zico 10, head coach Zico's academy. Bangu played quick, attacking football to quickly take a 3-0 lead in the first half before full back Fulganco Cardozo got one back for Zico's side.

Employing a 3-5-2 formation, FC Goa were vulnerable to rapid attacks by the Brazilian team. Wingers Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai were forced to track back constantly and cover the opposition wingers. The opposition found acres of space behind the two Goan wingers who attempted to venture forward to help out in attack. It did not take long before the first goal was scored. Gregory Arnolin held on to the ball too long at the half line which prompted an opposition attacked to steal it off him.

A quick counter-attack ensued and Goa quickly found themselves a goal down. Not long later, Bangu found themselves up by three goals. The space behind Dessai was exploited and the resulting cross was turned into his own net by a back tracking Lucio as the Indian side went into the break with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Zico was quick to identify his team's weakness and made some changes at the break.Changing to a 4-4-1-1 formation brought more stability to the team. Bangu still kept control of the match however, but Zico's side looked more assured in the second half. Midway through the half, Zico brought Debabrata Roy on for Dessai and pushed Cardozo to a more advanced left mid position.