The AIFF academy cadet has carried his form to the AFC Champions League as well. It was a challenge of the highest order to face Qatari giants Al Rayyan in your very first AFC Champions League game. The Laurent Blanc managed outfit has the likes of Yacine Brahimi, who has played in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, and tested Dheeraj right from the first whistle.
Within the first 10 minutes, Dheeraj was called into action a couple of times and he knew that it was going to be a long 90 minutes. And the keeper stood his ground and proved his mettle.
But from a coach s point of view, we need to grow in some details and tactics. We need to improve in certain aspects of the attack because this is AFC Champions League and it is necessary to prepare and compete in every aspect.
The Spanish coach further mentioned that the draw against a team like Al Rayyan will boost their confidence manifold and help them prepare well for the remaining five matches in the group stage. It is important because it is positive before preparing for the next game. For me, it is necessary to talk about this moment. We have five more games. The first game went well, the new target for Saturday is to further improve in attack. We have to go step by step and continue improving. This is not our limit and we have to improve more, mentioned the FC Goa manager.
RIYADH: Al-Wehdat ensured that Al-Nassr’s frustrating season continued on Wednesday, as Group D of the AFC Champions League got underway. The Jordanian side held the struggling Saudi club to a goalless draw at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh.
The team from Amman, which was playing its first-ever match in Asia’s premier club competition, maintained a fine defensive rearguard throughout the game. They are the first Jordanian club to reach the group stage of the competition, and despite the troubles Al-Nassr have been having on and off the pitch this season the Saudi side was still expected to win this match on home soil.
, April 15 (IANS) FC Goa put on a sensational defensive display to hold Al Rayyan to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Champions League opener at the Fatorda Stadium.Juan Ferrando gave Ishan Pandita his first start in FC Goa colours as James Donachie and .