FC Goa hold Al-Wahda to goalless draw, earn second AFC Champions League point

FC Goa held Al-Wahda to a goalless draw at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday to earn their second point of their maiden AFC Champions League campaign. The Gaurs continued their heroics from the previous game against Al-Rayyan. The Junan Ferrando side were once again solid in defense and improved on the attacking front compared to their first Group E match against Al-Rayyan. Al-Wahda were much superior in terms of ball possession and chances created. However, the Goan team stood firm to deny them any clear cut chances.

Goan goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh had an exceptional game between the posts. He denied the Al-Wahda attackers on a number of occasions to secure a point for the team. In the process, he was also able to keep a second consecutive clean sheet. Al-Wahda had six shots on target. The Manipuri goalkeeper also made two crucial saves in the dying minutes of the game to deny Al-Wahda the winner.

Glan Martins gave a solid performance in the midfield doing all the dirty work. He broke up opposition play, won aerial battles, ran around tirelessly and also helped the strikers in closing down the opposition defense.  

Right-back Seriton Fernandes along with Center-backs Gonzalez and Donachie were once again disciplined to keep the shape and come up with crucial interceptions, clearances and last-ditch tackles.

In the 53^rd minute, some good work from substitute Devendra Murgaonkar and Ortiz created the chance for Brandon. His shot from just outside the box hit the woodwork. That was the closest FC Goa came to scoring a goal.

Devendra was denied from close range by Al-Wahda goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Shamsi in the 73^rd minute.

FC Goa show improvement

In the first match the Gaurs looks satisfied with the draw. But on Saturday after the match they looked disappointed to not win the game.

The Henk ten Cate-coached side were also frustrated after not getting the three points. They lost 1-0 to Perspolis in their first match of the ACL campaign. They will next face Qatar’s Al-Rayyan in the next game.

The UAE side are now third in Group E with one point from two games.

FC Goa will next face Iran’s Perspolis on April 20. The Gaurs are second in the points table with two points from as many games.