In a recent development, Nita Ambani, Founding Chairperson of the Football Sports Development Limited, has announced on Sunday that Goa would be the host of the final of the ongoing edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) which will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Notably, the final of the ISL is scheduled to be played on 14 March with 7:30 pm (IST) slated as the kick-off time.
“Goa deserves to host the ISL final. There is no denying that Goa loves its football and we would like to bring the most crucial football event to the city for the people of Goa,” announced Ambani in a media statement.
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It is worth highlighting that FC Goa have already secured a berth in the AFC Champions Cup 2021 group stage as they are all set to finish the group stage at the summit.
“It has been such a joy to watch FC Goa this season. A fantastic team and the most consistent club in ISL over last six years. My heartiest congratulations to FC Goa’s captain Mandar, their lead goal scorer Coro (Ferran Corominas) and entire squad, coaching staff and the management for winning the first-ever ISL League Shield,” Ambani added.
For the unversed, this will not be the first time that Goa will host the final of the ISL. The ISL final in 2015 was also held in Bangalore between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa. However, the home team had ended up on the losing side 2-3 in a dramatic final in which they were leading 2-1 till 90 minutes.
There is another place up for grabs in the AFC Cup qualifiers and that will be awarded to the team which wins the ISL final. However, in case the team that wins the ISL is the same as the league topper, then it will be the team that finished second in the league stage which will be selected to play the AFC Cup qualifiers.