Hugo Boumous: We gave our all

Hugo Boumous: We gave our all

“I am proud of everyone associated with the club. It was going to take something special to pull this one and we nearly did it,” stated Hugo Boumous following FC Goa’s ousting from the Indian Super League this season at the semi-final stage. “We gave our all and that’s all one can ask for.”

FC Goa became the first side in the history of the ISL to record 7 straight victories at home when they trounced Chennaiyin FC last night at Fatorda. The Gaurs, though, couldn’t find the gumption to celebrate either the victory or the record-setting feat as they went down to Chennaiyin FC on aggregate in the semi-final.

It was always going to be an uphill task for the Gaurs as a 4-1 defeat in the first leg of the tie had left them hamstrung. 

There was no shortage of spirit, though, in the Goa camp as they were buoyed by the return of Brandon Fernandes, Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous – all of whom had missed the first leg due to varying reasons. 

“We wanted to be on the front foot and we wanted this one badly, that showed in the first few minutes of the game,” recalls the French midfielder about the game. “The crowd for the game was amazing and we could see that the pressure was really getting to them. Unfortunately, my game had to meet with a premature end. But this was not about me, it was for the club, for Goa.

“Before the game, I said that we don’t want to come off the field with any regrets on how we played. And I think we don’t have much regret. Mourtada (Fall) played out of position. Edu came in and did a brilliant job. There was a real hunger amongst everyone on the pitch.”

With 26 shots on goal, the Gaurs literally gave everything and came mightily close pulling off the act. 

“I would like to thank all the fans and everyone at the club for their support throughout the season. I would like to let them know we are going to come back even stronger next season,” signed off Boumous.