After two gritty performances against Al-Rayyan and Al-Wahda the Gaurs will face the Iranian champions Perspolis at the Fatorda stadium on Tuesday night.
Follow Us
F C Goa is full of confidence going into the match against Perspolis on Tuesday night at the Fatorda stadium. The Gaurs held two superior teams Al-Rayyan and Al-Wahda to goalless draws in their maiden appearance in the AFC Champions League. F C Goa custodian Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem played a crucial role in his team earning the two points from as many games. Perspolis come into the match on the back of two wins from as many games in the Group E fixtures.
F C Goa displayed a defensive master class in its previous games to earn two points. The best part was it came against teams who are superior in terms of experience at this level. In the first game, the gaurs were disciplined and maintained the defensive shape to deny the Qatari team. In the second game, they created more chances up front without losing the defensive shape. They even came close to taking the three points.
Dheeraj Singh was the stand out performer for Goa with nine save in two matches. The Manipuri goalkeeper has earned praise from the coach Juan Ferrando and the opposition. Dheeraj Joined FC Goa this season and is finding his feet in the ACL after an average ISL season.
Another player who joined F C Goa in the January transfer window was Glan Martins. The Goan defensive midfielder has been a vital clog in the midfield along with Edu Bedia and Brandon Fernandes. The 26-year has been exceptional in the two ACL matches, breaking the opposition play, winning aerial duels, providing cover to the wing backs, supporting the forward’s while putting pressure on the opposition defense.
Right-back Seriton Fernandes has been instrumental for the team with his last-ditch tackles and strong challenges.
Devendra Murgaonkar has made an impression in his two substitute appearances with his off the ball movements and runs.
Ishan Pandita is likely to start the the match alongside Jorge Ortiz up front.
Juan Ferrando will most probably continue with the same starting lineup as in the first two games, and it will be interesting to see whether the Goan team has the legs to continue their gritty performance for their third game in 7 days.
Perspolis have won their two matches in the tournament so far and are on top of Group E with six points. The Iranian club beat Al-Rayyan 3-1 and Al-Wahda 1-0 in its previous games.
