27 Apr 2021 - 9:40
AFC
The Peninsula
Al Sadd SC placed themselves in pole position in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League with a 1-0 win over Foolad Khouzestan FC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday
The result, coupled with Jordan s Al Wehdat s stunning win over Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the other Group D match, means the Qataris lead the standings with 10 points going into the final matchday against Al Nassr, who are second on eight points.
Foolad s hunt for top spot, however, came to an end although the Islamic Republic of Iran side can still advance if they finish among the three best second-placed teams.
FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh attempts to make a block against Al Rayyan in their AFC Champions League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday
Margao: Jorge Ortiz kept shaking his head. He was named the Player-of-the-Match, yet could hardly believe how this ended. Dheeraj Singh fell to the ground, dejected, despite making a terrific last-minute save to hand FC Goa another point in the AFC Champions League.
When Goa played Al Rayyan and secured a goalless draw in the group opener, fans cheered lustily. The teams met again and finished 1-1 at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday night, but nobody celebrated.
Persepolis hand FC Goa their first AFC Champions League loss prokerala.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from prokerala.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
FC Goa are unbeaten in their group along with favourites Persepolis, who they face on Tuesday
Margao: FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando has told his players they would have to work “three times as hard” as Persepolis FC if they have to get anything out of their AFC Champions League group encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday.
Goa have enjoyed a phenomenal debut in Asian football’s top-tier club competition with draws against Al Rayyan (Qatar) and Al Wahda. In the last game against the UAE side, Ferrando’s team even had chances to steal all three points but lacked the final touch.
It may be noted that FC Goa were denied a clear penalty in the 76th minute of their clash against Al-Rayyan and besides the heroics of the Goan defence that included vital saves from goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, Brandon was unfortunate to see his shot come off the upright against Al Wahda. When I got into that situation, all I thought about was to place the ball in the corner but unfortunately it hit the post. I strongly wished it went in, the 26-year-old spoke of the missed opportunity on Saturday.
No backing down
Currently second in the group behind Persepolis who have won both their games against Al Wahda (1-0) and Al-Rayyan (3-1), Goa face their ultimate test against the Iranian champions on Tuesday. Brandon feels that FC Goa s strength lies in the style of play that coach Juan Ferrando has instilled.