SATURDAY, MAY 04, 2024
ALLAN D’CRUZ
PANJIM: 180 minutes of football and FC Goa are yet to concede a goal in the AFC Champions League Group stage. Proving beyond expectations, the Gaurs have carried on with their momentum in the competition recording yet another prestigious point following their goalless draw against UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC at Fatorda.
While their performance against Al Rayyan was laudable, Saturday’s was even better. The Gaurs not only exhibited similar grit and strength in defence but this time created chances too. It was a rather inspirational performance from the home team which almost got their first Champions League goal but Brandon Fernandes was denied by the woodwork while other chances being followed.
But it was the FC Goa keeper Dheeraj Singh, who put an extraordinary performance late in the game denying Omar Khribin not once but twice and also kept out Ismaeil Matar's free kick out of the frame.
The first half was more of the repeat of FC Goa’s previous game as the home side preferred to sit back and defend. Edu Bedia, Glan Martins controlled the midfield while the defence line stood compact not allowing much to the UAE side.
For the opponents Al Wahda FSCC, they had themselves to be blamed. Dominating the entirety of the first 45 minute, they lacked the desire to score. Goa did have occasional raids, but had no teeth to their attack.
The introduction of Devendra Murgaonkar brought more dynamism to FC Goa’s attack in the second half. He was in thick of action in all FC Goa’s attacks in the second half. Moments after coming on, he nearly influenced Gaur’s attack in getting goal. After Ortiz failed to make the best of the delivery from Devendra, the ball rolled to Brandon, who tried to place the ball to bottom right corner, but much to his dismay it came off the post.
The striker continued to trouble Al Wahda with his pace and created chances after chances. Contrasting to the first half, FC Goa enjoyed possession in Al Wahda’s territory in the second session. Gaur’s prolonged pressure in Al Wahda’s area made it easier to see more attacks. Devendra made two fine runs in the rival half only to find no FC Goa player in right position.
With less than 20 minutes left, Goa created another glorious chance. Ortiz threaded Brandon on the right flank who got into the area and squared the ball to Devendra, but his effort was saved by Al Wahda keeper Mohamed Alshamsi.
In the closing stages, Dheeraj was the key for FC Goa as the young custodian made himself large in front of the goal. He first took care of Omar Khrbin’s low shot before Seriton made a crucial block to Lee Myung-Joo’s rebound effort. And then produced a magnificent save in the stoppage time to deny Omar at the near post with a crucial body block.
FC Goa now move to two points in Group E.
Meanwhile in the second match of the night, Persepolis got the better of Al Rayyan 1-3.
Al Rayyan took the lead through Al-Hadhrami while Moghanlou’s brace and Kamyabinia got the Iranian champions back into the fixture.
