SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
ALLAN D’CRUZ
FATORDA: Skipper Edu Bedia ensured FC Goa finally get their first Asian Football Confederation Champions League goal in the 12th minute creating history to become first Indian club to do so! Brandon Fernandes nearly got the second minutes later, but then Persepolis proved why are they most feared team in this competition as the Iranian giants got the better of the Gaurs 1-2, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
The Iranian’s quick-attacking football ensured they scored two goals within the span of six minutes to hand Gaurs their first defeat of the competition. For Persepolis, they are now with three wins in three games.
Looking to strengthen his defence against an attacking side, Coach Juan Ferrando made two changes in his starting XI introducing Adil Khan and Saviour Gama in place of suspended Jesuraj Romario and Ishan Pandita. However, the duo didn't make much impact as they were replaced before the start of the second session.
Persepolis were the better among the two side. But it was the home team which broke the deadlock in the 12th minute creating history for Indian football. Earning a set-piece in Persepolis territory, Brandon Fernandes bended his trademark free kick where skipper Edu Bedia headed home past the Persepolis keeper Hamad Lad.
The Gaurs suddenly looked to be in drivers’ seat playing some extraordinary football and should have been up by two goals in 15th minute if not for Lak’s brilliant save to deny Brandon. But that was the last FC Goa attack as Persepolis took control of the game.
Their free-flow lightening speed attack and raids made it difficult for FC Goa who then succumbed to the pressure giving away a soft penalty after James Donachie brought down Isa Alkasir in the box. Mahdi Torabi levelled it for the Iranian side from the penalty kick.
Persepolis were turning out to be more threatening than ever for the Gaurs. Their composure in breaking through the defence should be lauded as they deservingly took the lead from their first corner. Though the initial attempt was missed, Torabi kept the attack alive and whipped in another cross in the area where skipper Jalal Hosseini headed past Dheeraj.
Starting his first game of the competition, Adil was sloppy at the back putting the Gaurs under unnecessary pressure. The defender was replaced by Amarjit Singh, who brought some stability in the backline.
But more importantly it was Dheeraj Singh once again at his best for Goa. The custodian produced yet another fine display for Goa keeping them in the game with a splendid penalty save to deny Hossein Kanani at the 40th minute. Persepolis enjoyed almost 68 per cent of ball possession but failed to get past Dheeraj, who had a busy evening at Fatorda.
The second half was nothing different. Just 20 seconds in Dheeraj did what he’s been doing best! This time he denied Torabi from close. Persepolis nearly got their third when they cracked open FC Goa defence in the 50th minute when but that was rightly ruled offside. The second half was much improvised for FC Goa though they had their first attack of second half at Persepolis goal in the 84th minute but Redeem Tlang’s shot from inside the box was straight to the keeper.
