I-LEAGUE Media Team

NEW DELHI: Sporting Clube de Goa increased their attacking options with the signings of Goan striker Marcus Mascarenhas and Syrian International midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna, in Panjim on Thursday.

Both players boarded the flight to Kolkata where the Flaming Oranje faces a crucial game against Kingfisher East Bengal on Saturday.

Marcus was a key member of the Goa Santosh trophy team that the lifted the cup in 2009 where he scored half a dozen goals, including a hat-trick against Maharashtra which helped the state progress to the semi-finals.

The 28-year-old played for Laxmi Prasad in the Goa Pro League this season. Previously he was with Salgaocar FC for four years after joining from Sesa FA where he had an impressive two year stint earlier.

Marcus started his youth career with Salcete FC and also represented them in the GFA second division.

“Sporting Clube de Goa is an institution I have respected for a very long time. Many Goan players have made their careers here,” stated Marcus.

Mahmoud is an attacking midfielder with vast international experience, having been capped 78 times for his country Syria and has scored on 23 occasions.  He is not new to India as he has played in the Nehru Cup.

Apart from successful seasons with Al-Ittihad, the champion club of Syria, the 32-year-old has had playing stints with top clubs in Iran and Iraq before finishing of last season with Malysian Super League side Sime Darby where he played 26 matches and scored six goals.

“This is an exciting time in my career. I have heard many good things about the club from friends and I want to be part of the clubs history,” remarked Mahmoud.

“Mahmoud is a creative midfielder and will increase our scoring opportunities, while Marcus has got speed and is a lethal finisher,” explained Sporting Clube de Goa President Peter Vaz.