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.
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.
FC Goa await trial by fire in AFC Champions League debut
2dAnirudh Menon
Captain Edu Bedia s leadership and calmness in midfield has been key for Goa.
FC Goa
FC Goa will become the first Indian team to compete in the group stages of Asia s premiere club competition, the AFC Champions League on April 14, when they play Qatari side Al Rayyan. Ahead of this debut, we look at what s in store for the Indian side.
How did Goa do in ISL 2020-21?
Juan Ferrando s men finished fourth in the league stages, before losing to eventual champions Mumbai City FC in the semis (on penalties after drawing 2-2 in the first leg and 0-0 in the second.)