Panaji: Clube de Salgaocar’s debut on the national stage was not exactly memorable but they did pick up valuable lessons during their maiden campaign in I-League 3 last season.A new club on the block, formed just two seasons and making strides in the Goa Professional League, Salgaocar felt out of place on their debut in the fourth tier of Indian football. They picked up four points from four matches, losing two of those games. Lessons, however, were learned. Now, with an improved side, Keenan Almeida’s team is hoping to punch above their weight in the competition, particularly since they are playing at home.“It’s going to be tough for sure,” Keenan told TOI recently. “All the teams will give it their all to qualify for I-League 2.”Salgaocar take on Zinc Football Academy in their first group D fixture at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Nov 1.The league has already commenced on Oct 22 in group B and C. The group-stage matches are being held across four venues. The participating clubs will compete in a single round-robin format within their respective groups.“During the last campaign, we saw how physical it is in this league compared to the state league. Our chances will depend on how we perform on a given day. We must be grounded and put in the hard work,” said Keenan.Salgaocar fell short last season. This time around, home advantage will be a factor.“Playing at Duler will definitely be good as we are used to playing there. But nothing will come easy. We will have to fight hard in every match,” said Keenan.Salgaocar will face tough competition from Kickstart FC (Nov 3), RT Boys FC (Nov 7) and GOG FCC (Nov 9).A total of 19 clubs will battle it out across the four groups where the winners and two best second-placed teams across all groups will qualify for the six-team play-offs. The top two teams in the play-offs will be promoted to the 2027-28 season of I-League 2.FIXTURESNov 1: CD Salgaocar vs Zinc FA, 9amNov 3: Kickstart FC vs CD Salgaocar, 4pmNov 7: CD Salgaocar vs RT Boys FC, 4pmNov 9: GOG FCC vs CD Salgaocar, 4pmAt Duler Stadium, Mapusa
