Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Al Zawraa SC underlined their pedigree with a clinical 2-0 victory over FC Goa in the AFC Champions League, at the Nehru stadium on Wednesday.
The Iraqi side struck once in each half, Rezio Mohammed Banihani breaking the deadlock in the 44th minute before Nizar Alrashdan sealed the win deep into stoppage time.
Goa began brightly, almost striking first when Javier Servrio Toro’s 7th-minute header flashed wide, moments after Mohammed Qasim Majio spurned a chance at the other end. Urged on by a raucous Fatorda crowd, the Gaurs matched their experienced opponents but were undone by a defensive lapse that allowed Banihani to slot home just before the interval.
The hosts pressed relentlessly after the restart. Udanta Singh missed narrowly in the 48th, Ayush Dev Chetri forced a fine save from Jalal Hassan in the 55th, and Toro again failed to convert in the 59th. Chances for Borja Herrera (67’) and Brison Fernandes (75’) went begging as Goa chased the equaliser.
Al Zawraa’s Ibrahim Gbadamosi wasted a late opportunity, but Alrashdan struck in added time to extinguish Goa’s hopes.
Despite the defeat, FC Goa won plaudits for their attacking intent and resilience against one of Asia’s most seasoned outfits.
The Gaurs will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming away fixture against Tajikistan side FC Istiklol on October 1.