Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: After facing a huge dilemma, FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando finally picked his 28-member squad for Asian Football Confederation Champions League group stages which will kick off in Goa in a week’s time.
Ferrando, who had earlier made a statement that it would be a difficult task in naming the four foreigners, had to leave behind two of the most influential players, who guided Goa to the Indian Super League semi-finals.
ISL season seven Golden boot winner Igor Angulo and Alberto Noguera, the player with the most assists in the season seven were both left out of the 28-member squad as the coach preferred to go ahead with Jorge Ortiz, Edu Bedia and Ivan Gonzalez as the three foreigners.
As per the rules, all clubs are allowed to have no more than four foreign players in their squad. Out of this, one of them must belong to an AFC (Asian Football Federation) member association country. Australian defender James Donachie fulfils that criteria.
The exclusion of Igor might also see Ishan Pandita get more playing time at the club.
The AFC Champions League will also mark the return of Romeo Fernandes as the Goan poster boy marked a return to the club.
Romeo Fernandes who was on trial for the club represented the development team in the Goa Pro League where he made three appearances and also scored on his debut.
Out-of-favour Mohammad Nawaz was also named in the squad.
The Gaurs begin their historic maiden voyage into continental club competition on April 14, 2021 when they take on Qatar’s Al-Rayyan.
