Mandar: My father always wants me to score goals

The 25-year-old from Mapusa became the first Indian goal scorer in this season’s ISL, when he netted in FC Goa’s 3-2 win at Chennaiyin Fc on Sunday.

Not only is the team playing some scintillating football but the players are united in their cause.

Mandar Rao Dessai's father Dattarao Desai always wants to see the midfielder score goals. The 25-year-old from Mapusa became the first Indian goal scorer in this season’s ISL, when he netted in FC Goa’s 3-2 win at Chennaiyin FC on Sunday.

“It was important to get the first victory of the season and as such, it was also important for me to score that goal. We won the game and it turned out to be a great start for us,” said Dessai.

Coach Sergio Lobera has impressed upon the team a slick passing game and it came to the fore on Sunday. “We have been working hard since the time we went to Spain. We worked on various formations and techniques. We gave it our best, even in the practice games that we played once we returned to Goa. The combination and link up between our players is really good, and that is what resulted in that goal,” Dessai had said of his strike.

Dressing room unity

Not only is the team playing some scintillating football but the players are united in their cause.

“We were very happy in the dressing room. Everyone was really happy for the three points that we got after our first win. However, this is just the start, we have a long way to go and have to win the upcoming games and at the end of the season we can celebrate when we’re crowned champions,” he said confidently.

“My father always wants me to score goals and he was really happy that I did. My parents were both really happy that I scored. They called me after the game. It’s a good feeling for them and I am also proud of myself,” he signed off.