Match 9
1st Inns
74/2 (9.5 ov)
Goa FC became the first Indian team to score a point in the AFC Champions League following a goalless draw with Qatar’s Al Rayyan.
Goa FC striker Ishan Pandita in action against Al Rayyan. Image: FC Goa Media
FC Goa, a historic first-ever point scored in their last game, want to do their best and hope to win their second AFC Champions League group game against Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Goa FC became the first Indian team to score a point in the AFC Champions League following their goalless draw with Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the opening match of Group E on Wednesday.
Juan Ferrando’s men will be different for their next game and hope to score three points against Al Wahda. The Abu Dhabi-based team are ahead of their Indian rivals and have a superior experience on the continent with 12 previous appearances in the ACL. However, Goa FC will be confident that they will keep repeated attacks at bay from a strong Al Rayyan.
Goa FC had limited chances in their last game in front of the opposing goal and Ferrando want their players Are more adventurous in attack.
“We earned a point in the last game and obviously want to improve and continue the same way in our next game. It’s important to be in control of the way we attack, especially in the final period, « Ferrando said ahead of Saturday’s game.
» The most important aspect is to work as a unit and concentrate stay. We did what was necessary in the first game. I’m happy with the way the team played in defense and we needed some improvement in attack. «
On the opposing team, Ferrando said: » They are a very attacking team. We have to hold the ball more to make things easier for us. «
Center-back Gonzalez will have to stop while captain Edu Bedia will have to stop will be the ubiquitous force in midfield. Jorge Ortiz and Ishan Pandita are expected to achieve the goals.
Al Wahda made it into the group stage after beating Iraqi Al Zawraa SC 2-1 in the play-offs. They come into play on Saturday after a 1-0 loss to Persepolis FC in their opening game on Wednesday. Aid to Al Wahda is the return of his UAE captain and veteran Ismael Matar, who made a cameo in the second half against Persepolis. Tim Matavz will lead the scrimmage alongside Khalil Al Hammadi.
« I saw the Goa game against Al Rayyan. They are a very well organized team with a very good defensive center with James Donachie, Ivan Gonzlez and Edu Bedia in in the middle and they are a very strong part of the team with a very good goalkeeper, « said Al Wahda head coach Henk Ten Cate.
» We are facing an opponent who already has a point, but a win can be the whole Change the dynamics of the group, and we’re here to do that. «
» The home advantage is not really an advantage, because usually the advantage is in the crowd. There is no crowd, so there is no home advantage. «
The winners of each of the five groups and the three best runners-up reach the round of 16 of the knockout round.
Changed date:
April 17, 2021 10:13:52 AM IST
KEYWORDS:
ISL champions FC Goa will be the first club in the country to take on Qatar’s Al-Rayyan in continental club competition on April 14th.
Goa FC midfielder Alexander Romario Jesuraj talks about his first season at ISL, disappointment over losing to Mumbai City FC, work under head coach Juan Ferrando and preparations for the upcoming AFC Champions League
Goa FC did a commendable effort to keep the side coached by the former Paris Saint-Germain coach in check for the full length of the game.
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Ref: https://www.firstpost.com
